Driving Me Crazy

We went to my parent's house Christmas day. This is a short fun video I put together of our 15-year old daughter driving us there.

The Right Perspective

I'm not sure where this post is headed, but this is something I've been thinking about for a while, but I keep getting no where. Christmas this year was very different for our family. The economy has affected our lives--my husband doesn't have as much work, my brother was laid off from his job in early December and may end up losing his home and car, and my retired parents are seeing their investments drop monthly (that's what they live on) and we're also seeing our retirement accounts shrinking. We scaled way back this year, and it was still a great Christmas because it was more about the birth of Christ and being together as a family.

What bothers me is seeing some people, seemingly, not affected by the economy at all. People buying Mac laptops for their teens, trading in cars for Mercedes, giving their children hundreds of dollars to spend as they like, frequently eating out at expensive restaurants, and going on vacations. I guess I sound bitter or envious. And, maybe I am. I sure would like to go on a trip for Spring Break and hope that we could go away for a week this summer, but things are unsure.

Even some churches this Christmas went a bit extravagant with their Christmas programs. One church near me hired talent to perform and spent mega bucks--they even wanted to charge people to come to the program. This is a church that also has a congregation with many people out of work. The church members complained about charging to attend and the pastor decided to wave the fee, but he said from the pulpit that next year there would be a charge for tickets.

I need the right perspective on this. Can you help me?

After-Christmas Sale

I ventured out today with my daughter behind the wheel to checkout the after-Christmas sales. (BTW, we made it there and back safely). We needed a new comforter for our bed and I thought the deals at Kohl's looked good, so that's where we went.

The crowds in the store weren't too bad--although, some shelves were bare. They had plenty of comforters--I guess most people were looking for clothes. When we went to check out, at first glance it looked good, then we noticed the roped-off area and the line that snaked around the store. Oh well, the sale was good so we waited in line. There were no carts, so we had to carry what we were buying (one king size comforter set, two blankets, a bed skirt, wash clothes, and underwear.) It's funny how things get so heavy just standing in line. Two registers were open when we got in line, then finally they added another cashier. Two ladies at one register must have been having a problem because they were at that register the whole time we were in line, so it was like having only two registers open. My packages were slipping the closer we got to the end of the line, but I was trying my best to hang on to them.

We looked at the shelves of little gadgets they had and other "stuff" that some people might be enticed to buy while standing in line. I looked over and saw these coasters on sale by Sarah Peyton. Sarah Peyton is selling things now?, I thought. I told my daughter to look at those coasters over there by Sarah Peyton. She said, "Who's Sarah Peyton?" To which I replied, "You know, the lady who ran for vice president." To which she said, "Mom, that was Sarah Palin!" I'm not sure why I'm sharing this, but boy did I feel like a dork!

Anyway, I almost made it to the register without dropping anything, but guess what fell? Yes, the underwear. The kind man behind us came to our rescue and scooped up the panties for us. What a gentleman!

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Driving Lesson With Dad

Yesterday our daughter turned 15. Glenn took her, on her birthday, to get her learner's permit. She had to take and pass a written test and an eye test. She passed and we now have a licensed learner. It was raining yesterday, so he wouldn't take her for a driving lesson. I let her drive me to the grocery store after the rain stopped (and while Glenn was napping.) She did very well! I also made her go in to the store and get the groceries (that was the quickest shopping trip I've ever seen.)

Today the weather was clear and Glenn said he'd take her out for a drive. But, before they could go, she had to find the answers to three questions from the car owner's manual. 1) What pressure do the tires need to be inflated to? 2) Where is the spare located and how do you change a flat? 3) Where and how do you check the oil level? She was not amused, but complied with a good attitude. She not only checked the tire pressure in the car she's allowed to drive (PT Cruiser), but all our cars. She also used Glenn's air pressure pump to inflate the tires to the proper pressure. She crawled under the car to see where the spare tire is located, and checked the oil level. She completed these tasks to his satisfaction and they've just left for Target. I'm sure there will be more stories to tell when they get back.

No more "I Don't Care Hair"

Processing

Oh the price we pay for beautiful hair. Today I had my hair done. I feel so much better. Yes, I color my hair. If I didn't, all you'd see would be gray straw. I found this lady who works out of her house so she can be home with her two young boys. She used to work in a shop, so she's fully licensed and experienced. Let me tell you, I pay about a third of what I used to pay when I went to a salon--and she's good! One day she'll stop working and I'll have to go back to astronomical fees. For now, I'll glory in the savings.

The finished creation

Oh My, Driving Permit Time Looms in the Near Future

In a couple of days, Glenn and I will have a 15-year-old. In Georgia, that means that she is eligible to get a driving learner's permit. I'm not ready for this. She'll have to take a written test and pass it to get the learner's permit. I expect she'll pass. If I just hadn't had hip surgery, I'd feel more confident to take her out driving, when, of course, she would earn her permit.

Glenn and I both come from sports car driving backgrounds. Having worked for MotorWeek TV and for Porsche Cars, North America, I've spent a fair amount of time behind the wheel and on a racetrack. Glenn has been able to enjoy a lot of this with me. We'd really like to be able to take her out on a track and an auto cross course. We'd like her to respect the power of cars and learn how to handle them. All she can think about is getting behind the wheel and going. I guess I was that way, too. I do remember wanting that driver's license in such a bad way.

I still want her father to take her out first. Is that being a big chicken?

14 days post op and doing great

My hip surgery was two weeks ago today. Last Friday I got my staples out and was promoted to using a cane instead of the rolling walker. I took my first shower in two weeks on Saturday--YES! And, I was given permission to drive short distances!!! Our friends and neighbors have been incredible. They're bringing meals by (our refrigerator runneth over!) and running errands for me. I can feel your prayers and I appreciate them so much. I am so blessed.

Video Greetings

Hip Journey - Day 13

I wrote the below post on Tuesday, December 11. I deleted it later that night. After you read the post, I'll explain why I deleted it.

Dinner tonight is something to write about. My dad had been gone for a couple of days. He volunteers with the church on a feeding truck and it's closer to leave from his house than mine. My mother is stressed when he's here and even more stressed when he's not. Tonight he was very ornery. He wanted to know why my mother used so many plates, dishes, and utensils for meals? He said it was just more stuff for him to clean up. My mother puts every side dish and main dish in it's own serving bowl or plate. After dinner he wanted brownies and ice cream and said he'd show us how to serve it. He comes in with the brownie pan, ice cream, a scooper, a bowl, and a spoon. His plan: we'll each eat one at a time and reuse the bowl and spoon. Of course, my mother was not going to go along with this scheme.

I also got in trouble with my mother tonight because she brought up, for probably the tenth time, how my daughter is not studying properly among various other inadequacies. I couldn't help it. I laughed (out of frustration and aggravation). She knew exactly why. She knew that I was tired of her advice and meddling. Not much around our house mets her expectations and, believe me, I hear about it. Anyway, she didn't appreciate me laughing and said I'd hear no more from her! The atmosphere was tense for a few minutes, and I tried not to continue to laugh.

Now with that said, I feel much better. Oh, and anybody who knows my parents better not tell them about this blog!

Within a matter of minutes of publishing that post, my mother fell in our kitchen and fractured her shoulder and badly bruised her knee. It looked like she was going to need surgery, but the hospital finally sent her home later the next day with a soft cast on her leg and a brace on her arm and shoulder. My dad is now at their home taking care of her.

The next day, my brother left in the morning to take my daughter to school, but returned a few minutes later because he had a completely flat tire. It was pouring down rain.

As Christians we don't believe in karma, but it sure did seem like a lot of bad ju-ju to me!

Hip Journey - Day 8

Yesterday the physical terrorist came. I am so tired and sore today! And, she comes back tomorrow morning! I also thought that I could take a shower, but after getting a call back from my doctor, I have to wait 24 hours after the staples come out. That means waiting until Saturday to get a shower! I'm counting the days.

Sorry for the language - but what crap!

I can't get over some of the spam e-mail I get. Don't anyone fall for this! Look at this one:

THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION
In Conjunction with the International Monetary Fund
WORLD BANK FACT-FINDING & SPECIAL DUTIES OFFICE
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM.

Dear Sir/Ma

The United Nations Security Council, hereby receives your payment with reference number #.MAV/UNO/WBO/LM-05-371 amounting to US$10,625,000.00 (Ten Million Six Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand United States Dollars) This council was set up to fight against scam and fraudulent activities worldwide, responsible for investigating the legitimacy of unpaid contract, inheritance and lotto winning claims by companies and individuals and directs the paying authorities worldwide to make immediate payment of verified claims to the beneficiaries without further delay, your said payment is being arranged in a Security-proof box weighing 75kg padded with synthetic nylon.

According to information gathered from the bank security computer we were notified that you have waited for so long to receive this payment with out success we also confirmed that you have met all statutory requirements in respect of your pending payment.

This important notice is to let you know that your payment is ready to be moved by Swift Bank Transfer (Five working days) to your account or via diplomatic means of cash delivery (Two days) to your door step. Please note that your payment will be processed and released to you as soon as you respond to this confidential letter by reconfirming to us the following details.

(1) Your Full Name:
(2) Home Address:
(3) Age
(4) Phone, Fax and Mobile Number:
(5) Company Name/Occupation/Position:
(6) Payment option (Bank Transfer/Cash delivery):

Immediately the above details are received and validated, your payment will be processed within 48hours.

Yours Faithfully,


REV. FATHER WILLIAM SCOTT
Director, Special Duties.

Hip Journey - Day 7

Just wanted to post a couple of pictures of how "great" I look. Here's my dog, Gracie. She's been right by my side since the surgery.



Here are a few pictures I took with my daughter, Rebecca, and her friend Kristen. They actually asked to pose with me for some pictures. I felt flattered.

True Love

As much as I get frustrated with my mother, I have to share an act of love and humility she did. Without going into too much detail, I'll just say: picture a 73-year-old short lady with arthritis and other health issues of her own, giving her 47-year-old arthritic daughter a sink bath. Wow. What a picture of a servant. I thought of Jesus and washing His disciples' feet. With all of her griping and grumbling, she never once complained about helping me.

Hip Journey - Day 6

My husband is in Maryland working, so my parents are staying with me until he gets back. I love my parents and it's a blessing that they are close by and can come and help out. They're 73-years-old. They argue about--everything. Today the big discussion was about grocery shopping--when to go and what to get. It took about an hour to get the list together and another two hours to shop. When my mother got back, my dad was supposed to go back to their house and pick up his church clothes and prescriptions. Instead he waited until 5:30 to go. We needed him to grill dinner, so we didn't eat until 7:30. I was starving! He did cook a fantastic breakfast of eggs and bacon, so I'll give him that. She forgot to get margarine and milk--oh well.

Today's parental frustrations: how to work the TV controller, use the remote control fan/light, and how to adjust the thermostat. I can understand the TV controller, but to use the fan/light control, you just click the top button for the light and bottom button for the fan. My mother gets so frustrated.

Tomorrow should be interesting. They have church and a Christmas concert to go to. My mother's planning a big lunch.

Surgery Update - Dec. 5

I'm back home from hip surgery. I'm feeling a little groggy at the moment so who knows how this post will go.

Surgery went well and the doctor released me on Wednesday. Yesterday I spent the entire day sleeping. The home nurse came to call and said that was normal that I was still getting rid of the anesthesia in my system.

My surgery was at North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, Georgia. I was very pleased with the facilities and the staff. I've been to some hospitals where I couldn't say that. I had a great doctor, Dale Lane, and the nurses were excellent. The last thing I remember before "going under" was lying on the table in the operating room with my arms spread eagle and two big lights over my head. The next thing I remember is waking up in recovery. I did have pain, but they quickly addressed that.

I'm getting tired and my physical therapist is due to arrive soon. I'll probably need a nap after she leaves.

Surgery Day - Dec. 1

Today is the day. I'll be leaving the house soon for hip surgery. Have had nothing to eat or drink since midnight. No creams on my face or gel in my hair (can act as conductors for electricity in the operating room.)

I'm feeling a little nervous, but not too bad. My boss just called from the North American Mission Board (NAMB) to say that the team will be gathering soon to pray for a successful surgery, for minimal pain, and for a gentle physical therapist. Also asked for prayer for nice nurses. It's great to have the support and concern of a team of fellow Christians. I'm thankful for a God who loves me and watches over us.

And, it's snowing outside in Georgia!

The Night Before Surgery

Twas the night before surgery and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, 'cept me and my Mac mouse.

All of the laundry did I not do,
neither all work projects, but I'm down to just two.

It'll all have to wait, til I'm back on my feet,
I'll try and rest since it all will be there when my recovery is complete.

The Christmas tree is up, though it's not done with my usual flair,
there's only so much I can do, husband and daughter don't seem to care.

Christmas shopping this year will be done via the Net
Just a few more clicks and the presents will be all set.

I'm not too nervous, though I do fear the pain,
But once that's over, being at home for weeks I might go insane.

Well wishes are welcome and prayers are too--they're a definite must
God is watching over me and in Him I will trust.

Twilight the Movie

I went with my daughter, Rebecca, to see the movie, Twilight. The movie is based on a young adult vampire-romance novel written by Stephenie Meyer. It's the first book of the Twilight series, and introduces 17-year-old Isabella who moves from Phoenix, to Forks, Washington and finds her life in danger when she falls in love with a vampire, Edward. Neither one of us have read the books, but had heard about them and knew a little about the premise of the series. We got there early, thank goodness, because for some dumb reason Regal Cinemas had the movie in one of their smaller theaters. I think it sold out because it looked to me like every seat was taken. I was surprised at the boys who were there--they looked like middle school age.

Anyway, the movie grabbed me from the beginning. About half way through, the call of nature was beaconing me, but I didn't dare leave. I'm not sure what it was about the story or the characters, but Twilight just sucked us in. I'm still thinking about it. We both enjoyed it so much, that we went to the bookstore and bought the next book in the series, New Moon.

Check out this job opening

I got this e-mail the other day about a job opening? Who are they kidding? Sounds a little fishy to me!

We have found your resume and would like to suggest you a
"Goods Shipment Agent" vacancy.

We have studied your resume and are happy to inform you that your skills
completely meet our requirements for this position.

This is a part-time position. Your job will be to transfer consumer goods between our clients
Your job will consist in the following:

° To accept goods to your address
° To deliver the goods to the nearest USPS/DHL/UPS office
° To send the goods to a specified by us address

Hip Journey

Don't expect to read about a cool road trip. I'm calling my entries "Hip Journey" to chronicle my experience of going through hip replacement surgery (for a second time). Surgery is in one week--December 1. I thought it might be interesting to blog about, if not for any other reason, but to help keep my sanity while recuperating.

Today was pre-op testing day. They listened to my lungs, drew blood for tests, and did an EKG--all done from the comfort of a recliner without having to change into a hospital gown! They also gave me this breathing gizmo to practice my post surgery breathing which will clear my lungs from the anesthesia. I have to bring it with me on the day of surgery--yeah, like I'll remember to bring it.


Now I've got one week to finish up several projects, spend Thanksgiving with the family, and get some Christmas shopping done.

Oh to Blog

OK, I haven't had a chance to blog in a couple of days. I thought maybe tonight I could but there has been one interruption or distraction after another. From the cat walking on my keyboard, to the dog nudging me to go out, to my mother calling for computer help, to my daughter calling my name while I'm on the phone and then blasting her music. Oh, how could I forget--having to go into the bathroom and remove a tiny spider because of, guess who, my daughter, screaming. Maybe I'll give it a go in a few minutes.

Scary Situation

This was an e-mail I got the other morning from my husband. He was staying at his boss' (Scott) second home in the Baltimore area. Pretty scary. The next day, he went out and bought a baseball bat.

I am asleep and I wake up at 2am to hear my cell phone ringing, I look at the number and it says Scott R New Home. I answer the phone and Scott asks "where are you", I reply that I was asleep and I'm in the bedroom of his house, he says "the neighbor called the police, there is someone trying to break into the kitchen window".

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I went to the closet and put my pants and shoes on, I don't know why I guess whatever is going on I will need pants and shoes. I do however, take the cell phone with me.

Here I am on the second floor of the house without any weapons or anything but Ive got pants, shoes and a cell phone. I thought it was a bad idea to go downstairs unarmed but I also didn't want to stay in the bedroom where there was no exit.

I decided to go out on the second flood deck off the master bedroom, I heard voices, turns out voices with guns and flashlights... a good half dozen of Anne Arundel County Police men.

The neighbor next door (Nancy) heard someone outside messing with the house, called the police and then called Scott, thank God she did. I will have to go over tomorrow and thank her.

I am officially up for the day, made a strong pot of coffee, no more sleep tonight for me.

The police had a dog sniff around the lot, looks like the person just jumped the fence and was trying to remove a window, not break one. I guess they figured they would be quiet trying to remove the window, the neighbor heard them anyway.

I noticed that the spot lights that usually light up the lot like Times Square were not working when I arrived this trip, they were on last time I was here. Scott is having them fixed tomorrow, they sure are annoying but I'm a big believer in them now.

Sure wish Grace was staying with me.

G

CT Results

Followed up with my hip doctor after having the CT scan the other day. He says there is a small erosion spot in the bone behind the socket joint. You can kind of make it out in the image below. It's a small black spot behind the socket at about the 10:00 position. When he operates, he'll inject some "fake" bone into the spot. From all appearances, the stem is solidly in place. He plans on replacing the cup liner and the ball joint. You can also see where the liner is wearing thin near the top.

I thought of these positives about having the surgery: I'll be off of work for at least a month, I'll get a handicap parking sticker, I won't have to do laundry for at least a couple of weeks, and this hip should last for another 20 years.

Blepharitis Go Away!

So I blogged about being diagnosed with blepharitis back in September. This cranky stuff is still around. Apparently it pops up and is difficult to get rid of. I talked with my friend again that works for an eye doctor and she has suggested cleansing the eye every day with a mild solution of baby shampoo. I must confess I haven't been faithful with cleansing my eyes at night. So I'm going to give this a try and see if this helps. One semi-positive thing about having blepharitis is that I haven't been wearing eye makeup. That saves me about 10 minutes in the morning.

As Seen on TV - Pedi Paws

We tried this new gadget we saw on TV, Pedi Paws, to trim our dog's toe nails. On the commerical they show how simple it is to use (it looks like they're not really trimming the nails.) It's actually a sander/grinder type thing. When you get the actual product, it strongly suggests that you get your pet used to the sound of the "instrument." Our dog did fine with the noise, but it was more of the vibration on her nails that bothered her. I trimmed them, but I still her her nails clicking on the hardwood floors. And, the biggest drawback is the smell of the nails when they're ground down. It sort of smells like when you get a tooth drilled for a cavity. Pew! I'd give the product a C-.

Honoring Our Veterans

We honored our veterans today. Where I work, we had a special chapel and prayed for soldiers and chaplains serving our country. I remember going to Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, DC. One of my favorite things to see there is the Tomb of the Unknowns. It's guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I found this video on YouTube and wanted to share it. Thanks to all our soldiers, past and present who serve to protect our country.

CAT Scan

I had my first CAT (CT) scan today. The doctor ordered one of my hip that is going to be re-replaced. The machine looks like a big donut. You lie on a table and it takes you through the donut hole. When the area they are scanning is in the middle of the hole, this whirring/spinning noise starts. It kind of sounds like what you think it would sound like if you were in a space ship taking off at warp speed. Then this automated female voice tells you take a breath in and hold it. Then after a second or two she tells you to breathe again. And then they take you in and out of the the hole a couple of times and then you're done. The table was actually very comfortable--I think I could have fallen asleep on it. I follow-up with my doctor in a couple of days to go over the results.

Oh no, a co-ed party!

So my soon to be 15 year old wants to have a party for her birthday. This makes me nervous because this time she wants boys to come and her father, my husband, will not be home. Can I handle this on my own? The girls are invited to spend the night (oh boy I can hear the loud laughing and screaming now) and boys are to leave at 10 p.m. She wants to have a fire in the outdoor fire pit. This makes me nervous, too. Teens and fire don't mix! What will they do to have fun? What do teens nowadays think is a "cool" party? For my 16th party, we played games. Somehow I don't think kids play games anymore. We'll probably need something like a Wii set up or something hi-tech. I hope they don't tick off the neighbors by running around outside. What if the party turns out to be like the wild ones you see in the movies? Any advice?

Kudos to Kodak

Gorgeous Maple

I've been having issues with my Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS camera. When I took indoor pictures with the flash, the images were grainy. This was frustrating since the outdoor pictures in bright sun were great. I read the the manual. I talked to photo experts I work with. No one could find the solution. I had been told to set my camera on the "action setting." That way, whether you moved or not, the photo wouldn't blur. After taking some photos of Rebecca and the cat at Halloween and seeing how grainy the photos came out, I decided to take further action on solving this problem.

If you're interested, click on this image to make it larger and you can see the graininess.

I went to the Web and tried searching Google for other people experiencing the same problem. I got no where. Then, a brillant idea came to me--maybe I should go to the Kodak Web site and search under support. I found my model, clicked support, and then clicked "chat with a support person" (or something like that). Ernesto G. answered my call for help. I described the problem. His solution: set the camera on the auto mode and take a picture. It came out fine! I had the camera on the wrong setting! Talk about feeling like an idiot! I don't even want to tell you how long I've been wrestling with this problem. OK, I will. A year!

I write all this to say how pleased I was with the customer support from Kodak. The support guy knew the product and gave me a quick and simple solution. I felt really dumb, but the problem is solved!

Enjoy some of the fall pictures I took today (No photo corrections were made to the images in case you're wondering).

Remembering When

As I pulled into the garage tonight and my window was down I was thinking back on my childhood. This is how my crazy mind works. The window was down, I had a bunch of "stuff" in the car that I needed help with to get inside. My thoughts turned to calling my daughter and asking her to come to the "drive up window" to pick up her orders. You see, when I was younger, we used to play drive up window at the bank. That was back when there was no direct deposit paychecks and you had to go to the bank to cash your check. This started a whole train wreck of thoughts of ... I remember when.

I remember when ...
... gas stations were full service and the gas guy would come out to your car and ask, "Fill 'er up? High test or regular? Check under your hood?" He also would have a wad of cash in his pocket because people paid with cash back then. He usually had a rag hanging out of his back pocket, too.

... you'd go to the mailbox with excitement because there might be a letter in there instead of just bills and junk mail like we have today.

... KFC was known as Kentucky Fried Chicken and their extra crispy was better.

... Hardee's had charbroiled burgers and a special sauce that tasted great.

... going to McDonald's and getting a burger and fries was a special treat.

... milk was delivered by the milk man and left at the door in a tin box.

... After church on Sunday, the family would take a Sunday afternoon drive. Sometimes we'd drive for an hour to get to a really good restaurant where we'd have to wait another hour or so to be seated. Where I grew up in Maryland, two of our favorites were Peter Pan and Friendly Farms.

... We'd go to drive-in movies dressed in our PJs so that when the second feature came on and it was late, we could go to sleep.

... Typewriters were manual and to make a copy you used carbon paper.

... When you went to buy new shoes, a person waited on you. They measured your foot, went and got the shoes, and actually helped you get the shoes on. They also knew the products!

... Elementary school boys thought it was cool to eat glue paste. It came in a plastic jar with a flat stick to spread it. Do they have those anymore?

... The teachers would make copies using, help me here, memeographs? The copies would come out with purple ink and everyone loved to smell them.

... Phones were rotary dial and you shared a line.

... there were only three or four tv channels to choose from.

... the family would have dinner together every night at the dinner table.

What are your memories?

Travel Tip

If you're traveling and left your cell phone charger at home, check with the hotel lost and found. Sometimes they have a collection of chargers and one might work for your phone.

Time Lapse

Friday: Make plans to meet my manager at his house at 8:00 Monday morning to drive to Nashville. That means leaving my house at 7 a.m.

Monday: I'm in the shower and suddenly panic. Am I supposed to leave at 7:00 or get to his house at 7:00? Oh no. I'm confused. I hurry, get dressed, apply no makeup and get out the door at 6:50 a.m. I'm thinking: "Hope he's not too made when I show up late." "Darn. I had to reset my cell phone and lost all my numbers." "This is not going to make a good impression on his wife." While driving over to his house, in the dark by the way and trying to read the directions, I realize ... I don't need to be there until 8:00. Whew. I'm not late. I have time to pull over at a gas station and enter his address into the navigation system.

Monday night: Make plans to meet at 7:45 in hotel lobby to leave for meeting. Set alarm for 6:00 on hotel alarm clock and cell phone as backup.

Tuesday morning: Cell phone alarm goes off. Good thing I had that as a backup since hotel alarm didn't go off. Wait a minute. Hotel clock says 5 a.m. Bugger. Cell phone clock didn't switch to central time--it's only 5 a.m. I get to sleep one more hour, except now I'm afraid I'll over sleep and don't end of going back to sleep.

To Tweet or Not to Tweet?

That is the question. Sometimes I like getting tweets from Twitter and sometimes I get tired of them. In some cases it appears that people send tweets to impress others on where they are, shopping at elite stores, getting spa treatments, what impressive thing they've just done, important people they're hob nobbing with, etc. There's one person who is on the Women of Faith team and she sends tweets from the conferences. I wonder where she's sitting when she sends the messages.? On the other hand, the most bizarre things happen to her and it's funny to read about her latest mishap. One person sends messages from the plane. I didn't think cell phones worked on flights and besides, they're supposed to be turned off. I'm not a technorati, so I'm not following those types anymore. What surprises me is the complete strangers who are following me. Why would they be interested in what I'm doing? Right now, my mobile Twitter is set to "off." I'll just take a vaca for a while and then go back "on." I like Facebook status updates, they're fun to read and see what people are up to. I guess I like it better because FB people are not sending updates every minute.

BlackBerry Lemon

Just the other day I posted about loving my BlackBerry. I still do, but it's giving me trouble. I've spent hours on the phone with customer support from Verizon and BlackBerry. My problems started when we switched the phone over to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and the hour glass showed up on the screen and just kept spinning. After doing a complete reset it went away. This is where the device is wiped clean and you start over. I reset all my preferences. A week later, the same thing happened. Verizon is now sending a new BlackBerry. Hopefully this one will work--customer service is beginning to know me by name.

Pumpkin Carving

Today I watched Rebecca and my brother, Keith, carve pumpkins. I watched because I couldn't very well carve and take pictures at the same time. The carving started outside, but it was chilly today in Georgia. So after the "guts" were removed, we moved inside. We tried toasting the seeds, but they didn't taste too good. Not sure what I did wrong. They smeared petroleum jelly inside the pumpkin hoping to preserve their work for a few more days. Don't their pumpkins look great?

Teen Scene

Last night I took my 14-year-old daughter and two of her friends to a concert at the Masquerade in Atlanta. Actually four bands were there: The Maine, Mayday Parade, All Time Low, and one other group I can't remember the name of. We bought the tickets weeks ago. An hour before we're supposed to leave we can't find the tickets. I thought my daughter had them, she thought I had them. We looked everywhere we usually stick things. I even went back to work to look in a bag that I sometimes put things in. Nope. Not there. Finally I called TicketMaster and because we had saved the e-mail receipt, they were able to put our names on the Will Call list. One catastrophe avoided.


Her friends arrive at the house and we take off for downtown Atlanta. We arrive and get in line to purchase a ticket because one of the girls didn't buy hers ahead of time. She's about 30 people from the end of the line and they yell, "The concert is sold out. No more tickets." Oh boy. I didn't drive three teen girls all the way downtown to turn around and go home. Besides, three out of four us had tickets. We make a plea to the ticket lady at Will Call. We gaze at her and the other fellow in the booth with angelic faces and they decide to sell us a ticket. Whew! Another catastrophe avoided.

All are happy. We go in. The first band is already cranking. Yep. It's LOUD. Good thing I brought ear plugs! I stand in the back with the other parents. I stand for a while, but need to move around and really need to sit down. No seats. I go just outside of the concert room and lo and behold, I spot a couch with a Dad sitting there. Turns out he brought his 14-year-old and three of her friends for her birthday. I camp out there for the rest of the night. No ear plugs needed. The girls stayed in that hot, crowded room all night. They screamed and jumped and danced.


I didn't see any kids drinking, but plenty were smoking. The club had lots of security on hand keeping the exits clear and everyone under control. There were also plenty of parents there waiting for their kids. We stay until the very end. The girls wanted autographs. They hang around for another hour or so and the band finally comes outside. They get the guys to sign their shirts. The girls are thrilled. We pull out of the parking lot after midnight. We arrive back home around 1:00 a.m. The girls can't hear and they can't speak, but they're feeling great. They loved it. I even got a thank you from my own daughter. They're already planning their next concert trip. Hopefully another parent will step up and take them.

God at Work

Within minutes of publishing my last post, "It's not too late," my phone rings and it's our pastor's wife from the church we were members of years ago in Maryland. Her husband (our pastor) passed away a few years ago and she's now living in Alabama. She was calling to ask if we would befriend a former student of hers from China who is getting her master's degree at Georgia State University. God works fast. I said I was ready and open and now here's an opportunity to minister to someone. I don't know what He wants me to do, but I know He'll show me. All she was asking me and my husband to do was to be her friend and let the Lord use us in her life. She's living in a bad part of Atlanta and is scared to leave her apartment. Money doesn't seem to be an issue. It's getting her connected with a safer home near Georgia State. My prayer now is "Lord, how can we help her?"

It's Not Too Late

Joel 2:12-13 (NIV)

12 "Even now," declares the LORD,
"return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning."

13 Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the LORD your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.

I've been away from God. But He never left me. The Holy Spirit, as quenched as He may be, was always there prodding me to make a change. At Catalyst this year, Craig Groeschel spoke and used these verses. They immediately spoke to me. The words, "return to me" rang true. He talked about Christians having lost "It"--that enthusiasm and love for the Lord that we had when we first came to know Him. I'm tired of being out of God's will. I love these verses, "Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love." It's amazing how God can use us even when we're far from Him. Imagine how much more He can do through us when we're close to Him. Thank you, Lord, I'm returning to You.

BlackBerry

I am the proud new owner of a BlackBerry. I've actually had it for a month and love it. I take pictures, check Facebook, get my personal and work e-mails, maintain my calendar, browse the Internet and, oh yes, use the phone. It's great. It pretty much goes everywhere with me now, even the bathroom.

Invisible

Have you ever had the experience of being "invisible?" It's very strange. You're with a group of people that you know, but they don't notice you're there. You try to join the conversation, only they don't acknowledge you. Their circle closes and before you know it, you're out, blocked, not included, you're not in their tribe. You casually wander off and take a seat. The group moves their position. They wave. You wave back. They wave again and you wave back. But just like in a movie they're not waving at you, they're waving beyond you. You turn around to see other tribe members behind you. You blush and hope they didn't see you waving. Oh, that's right, you're invisible, not a tribesman. It's not a nice feeling to be excluded. Anger, then self-pity envelopes you. You stew--it only makes it worse. You notice your jaw is sore from clenching your teeth. You try and make the best of it. Oh well, they don't realize what they're doing. I should say something Christian here, like I prayed about my bad attitude, but the prayer doesn't come. I'm pissed. Now that I've blogged about it on the World Wide Web I'm starting to feel better. I've released my feelings to potentially hundreds of people. Now maybe I'll pray about it.

Too Tall for Short

Guys, I'm tellin' ya (Palin speak), this post is probably not gonna interest ya in the least. It might not interest some women either, but it's something I have to get off my chest. I'm 5' 4". Which translates to: too tall for misses short size pants and too short for regular misses. Which means that if I get pants in "short" I'm wearing high waters. If I get misses regular length, they've got to be hemmed. I can't hem worth a lick so that means I have to pay to get them hemmed. So the pants that were on sale for a good deal now aren't such a good deal because I have to pay another 10 bucks or so to get them hemmed. How did men get so lucky as to be able to get their pants with a waist and length size? Must have been a man who made this decision a few hundred years ago. Maybe he thought that since women stayed at home to raise the children, cook, and clean that, first, women would be wearing dresses, but they could hem their clothes themselves. Whoo, I feel much better now.

Calculate Fuel Costs

I saw this today and thought it might be pretty nifty. It's a fuel cost calculator from AAA. I have no idea how accurate it is, but it's worth a try. With AAA's calculator, you enter the city you're starting your trip in, the destination city, vehicle make, model, and year and it will calculate how many miles your trip is, how many gallons you'll use, and the cost for fuel. There's even a link to see how much gas is costing per gallon in your city. If you try it out, let me know how it works. Click here for the link.

My Thoughts on the VP Debate

I was really looking forward to this debate, but ended up falling asleep. I did get to see most of it, though. My hope was that Biden would slip up and say something really stupid or insulting--but he didn't. My prayer was that Palin wouldn't slip up or say something that would be dissected and regurgitated and played over and over. I don't think she did, but the press has a way of looking through every frame of the video to find any fault.

I know it's not just me because other people have commented on this too: Has Biden had plastic surgery? Maybe a little botox? Those eyes looked a little too slanted and pulled up. His teeth were extra white, too.

To me, he was Washington politics at it's best. He delivered what you'd expect from a seasoned bureaucrat. Here's what I like about Palin--she's not! I think she's smart and I like what she says about making the Feds accountable. She's like the average American, except she's had more experience with government. She did much better facing Biden in the debate than biased Charlie Gibson or Katie Couric. My advice for Palin: try and cut back on using words and phrases like "betcha," "doggone," "heck of a lotta." BTW, did you notice at the end of the debate when their families came on stage, Biden's family, especially the young girls, wanted to meet Palin?

Wow

After the debate, I wonder what these two said to each other? I think he just wanted to stand real close to her!

I'm voting for McCain and Palin. I hope in the next Presidential debates that McCain just smokes Obama. The thought of Obama leading our country scares me, especially when it comes to dealing with foreign countries. Wake up people, he's got you snowed!

Infusion Day

Today I got my Remicade infusion to treat my rheumatoid arthritis. Every eight weeks, they hook me up to an IV and I get the medication intravenously. It takes about two hours to get the treatment. I go to the treatment room in my rheumatologist's office where they have a team of very friendly and professional nurses who administer the medication. They make you feel as comfortable as possible. I love the recliners. They even provide snacks and beverages. They're much more hospitable than flight attendants (using the word "beverage" made me think of flight attendants).

snack drawer

Remicade helps stop further joint damage. And, for some patients without joint damage, it may help stop damage before it starts. I wish this wonderful drug had been around when I was first diagnosed. Remicade can also be used to treat diseases such as plaque psoriasis, adult Crohn’s disease, and ankylosing spondylitis.

So here's a shout out to the wonderful gals at Drs. Myerson and Sutej's office in Atlanta, GA. You rock!

Gia, great nurse and mother of teenage daughter

The boss--Gail, head nurse--very spunky & perky

Shawn, nurse extraordinaire
(This is really Michelle Obama. Shawn wouldn't let me take her picture!)

Have We Met?

Do I look familiar to you? Do you feel like you've met me before? To many people, I do look familiar to them and they're sure they've met me before. This is not a recent occurrence, but something that has been going on for years. Just today I met a lady for the first time. Later in a follow-up e-mail she said, "I feel like we've met before, I just can't put my finger on it?? Hmmm." Several years ago I was eating in a restaurant and a man came up to me and asked if I was that tennis player from Australia? What tennis player from Australia? I assured him that I was not her and he asked me, "Are you sure, because you sure do look like her." Yes, I'm pretty sure I'm not a famous tennis player from Australia. Another time I was at an amusement park and someone grabbed me and spun me around, "Oh, I'm so sorry! I thought you were someone else!"

I'd say nine times out of 10 when I meet someone new, they say that we've met before. What could be the cause of this phenomenon? Is it that I'm so plain that my face can blend into any one's? Could it be that I have several twins out there? Maybe it's not only my face, but something about me and my aura and my friendly personality that makes them feel comfortable and familar. Perhaps I embody something special that people find affable. I don't know, but it's very curious. What do you think? Have we met before?