Amerikan Alien

Feeling Blue....

2005-04-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Seems that these days I’m just not myself. Not exactly sure if I even know what has caused me this mood. Sure....simple answer is life...but the question is “What IN life?” I know I can’t blame health cause for the most part it’s ok. Then there is wealth...Well there too I can say, for the moment “No way”.

Next there is family....well, who has the perfect one? They always come with their ups and downs….HAHAHA! With the kids all grown, it seems they come with their problems TO YOU. Which again for the most part is great, cause since we all were young once we know what life has in store. If it’s not this...then it’s that. And so it goes...Blah..blah...blah and again and again!

Next you have friends....who too come with their own set of fun. First on the list, is the spouse of course..to be followed by the kids...then next in line is the job...Oh life is ever so fine.

It seems I have the perfect ear....they come from far, they come from near....I say to myself “Oh dear.” I listen. I give my advise...or sometimes I just say nothing at all which can also be wise.

As for me, I seldom share....cause I also know the answer lies deep inside me somewhere. It seems people can’t make you happy, so I’ve been told. So therefore one can say that complaining becomes weary and old.

Running away, won’t solve my “Blues”...
I need to stay in these old shoes...
But I know that some where out yonder...
My life will be a bit more fonder...

I need to find me…..!

The Art of Seduction

2005-04-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

The contact.... seduction!

First and foremost, it's very important that you choose the right person to seduce. This is more a matter of instinct than anything else, but most of us at will attempt to make conversation, or at least some eye contact, with a potential partner whom we consider to be about as attractive as we feel we are. So, if you are not happy with the way you look and moreover who you are on the inside, then start there!The thrill of seduction sometimes lies in the chase rather than the conquest.

The excitement of wanting and pursuing someone can give a sense of satisfaction in itself - this is especially true for men. But those who thoroughly enjoy the chase are generally people with plenty of self-confidence and their belief in themselves increases the likelihood of success. This however should not stop even the bashful or shy ones.

First suggestion would be to plan and set up the time and the right place knowing you will be alone for some period of time. If the object of your passion is somebody you see on a regular basis, the time and the place being wrong may also very well add to the thrill. If you're getting the right feedback from him/her (flirting), the knowledge that that he/she is interested but that you can't do anything about it just yet can increase the feelings of arousal and excitement. Let them linger ...

Now - just how do you know that they are interested? Your best clues come from reading their body language. His/her body signals are far better indicators of how he/she feels about you than anything they may actually say verbally. The eyes are the biggest give-away when it comes to seduction of either sex. If he/she returns your gaze, and especially if he/she holds eye contact with you longer than you'd normally expect, then chances are they are quite interested. Trust your instincts and you'll 'feel' whether they are interested or not. Look for small gestures and tone of voice tell you a lot about what they may feels towards you.

Flirt. Flirt. Flirt. Important - We flirt with others to remind our partner that we still need to be wooed by him, but when used for seduction, it's a means of keeping the other person interested and aroused, as well as letting them know that they are unlikely to be rejected. Men, who are generally the pursuers, are highly dependent on your signals to reassure them that they are 'onto something' good. And ladies, playing hard-to-get isn't particularly attractive to men unless you're sending out enough signals to assure him that you are 'gettable' and that the chase will be worth it in the end. Just beware that you may chase him away.Once you've made it known that you are attracted to them, you'll need to let him/her know where the encounter is likely to be heading.

People have very different ideas of what sex should be, so it's important that you both know that you're looking for the same things and headed in the same direction. The subtle approach is more likely to get you what you want. Remember, though, men generally take the lead in this area, even asking questions and trying to determine whether you'd make a satisfactory sex partner. Follow his lead.

The questions probably won't be that direct (depending upon the man), but they will be based around 'self-disclosure'. He tells you some, you tell him some and this creates trust. Try discussing sex in a light-hearted, abstract manner when talking with a potential lover, testing each other in a non-committal way.

Two people, who may have been attracted to each other visually, may not have the right chemistry to move along the road of seduction. Once you’ve talked a little about it, does he still seem interested? Look for signs of acceptance or rejection (remember rejection could depend on many many things - perhaps you’re just too much woman for him). If you pick up on any signs of rejection, don't waste your time on something that is very unlikely to happen, no matter how much you think you fancy him/her.

The right person is out there just waiting to be seduced by you!Surrender - If you're still doing fine and the signals are good, it's time to make your move. One of you must surrender. In all probability it will be you, because even if you initiated the seduction, they will probably have taken over the role of pursuer somewhere along the line. The roles of 'hunter' and 'prey' have been decided through thousands of years of evolution, and usually fall naturally into place.

Seduce, surrender and enjoy!

How many of you have tried this approach? Or is here another way that helps one to seduce that special some one? Please share if you know the secret to success.

Fun and simple little test.....

2005-04-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

The average person only gets about 7 right. This is based on U.S. & CDN info, so use all of the lobes of your brain. This can be more difficult than it looks !
There are 27 questions about things we see every day or have known about, all our lives. How many can you get right? These little simple questions are harder than you think……it actually shows you how little we pay attention to the common/little things of life.

Now, put your thinking caps on. No cheating! No looking around! No getting out of your chair! No using anything on or in your desk or computer!

Can you beat 20?? (The average is 7) Get yourself a piece of paper and a pencil and write down your answers. When done, you will find the answer on the comment page. Go there only AFTER completing ALL the questions.

REMEMBER - NO CHEATING!!! --- BE HONEST!!! That means no looking at your phone or anything on your desk...

NOW, LET'S JUST SEE HOW OBSERVANT YOU REALLY ARE.

Here we go!
1. On a standard traffic light, is the green on the top or bottom?
2. How many states are there in the USA? (Don't laugh, some people don't know)
3. In which hand is the Statue of Liberty's torch?
4. What six colors are on the classic Campbell's soup label?
5. What two numbers on the telephone dial don't have letters by them?
6. When you walk does your left arm swing with your right or left leg?
7. How many matches are in a standard pack?
8. On the United States flag is the top stripe red or white?
9. What is the lowest number on the FM dial?
10. Which way does water go down the drain, counter or clockwise?
11. Which way does a "no smoking" sign's slash run?
12. How many channels on a VHF TV dial?
13. On which side of a women's blouse are the buttons?
14. Which way do fans rotate?
15. What is on the back of a Canadian dime?
16. How many sides does a stop sign have?
17. Do books have even-numbered pages on the right or left side?
18. How many lug nuts are on a standard car wheel?
19. How many sides are there on a standard pencil?
20. Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Grumpy,Dopey, Doc. Who's missing?
21. How many hot dog buns are in a standard package?
22. On which playing card is the card maker's trademark?
23. On which side of a Venetian blind is the cord to turn them up and down?
24. On the back of a Canadian $1 coin, what is in the center?
25. There are 12 buttons on a touch tone phone. What 2 symbols bear no digits?
26. How many curves are there in the standard paper clip?
27. Does a merry-go-round turn counter or clockwise?

There, that wasn't so bad...was it? Remember go to comments, there you will find the answers. Be sure to leave your score. Show the world how smart you are.

Story of the Day....can you relate????

2005-04-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

GOD CREATED CHILDREN (AND IN THE PROCESS GRANDCHILDREN)

To those of us who have children in our lives, whether they are our own, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or students...here is something to make you chuckle. Whenever your children are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to His own children. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing he said was "DON'T!"

Adam replied: "Don't what?"

God said: "Don't eat the forbidden fruit."

Adam said: "Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey Eve... we have forbidden fruit!!!!!"

Eve said: "No Way!"

Adam said: "Yes way!"

God said: "Do NOT eat the fruit!"

Adam and Eve asked: "Why"

God replied: "Because I am your Father and I said so!" (Wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants. A few minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He was angry!)

God asked: "Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" .

Adam replied: "Uh huh,"

Father then said: "Then why did you?"

Eve answered: "I don't know,"

Adam said: "She started it!"

Eve: "Did not!"

Adam: "Did too!"

Eve: "DID NOT!"

Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.

BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY!

If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself. If God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it would be a piece of cake for you?

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT!

1. You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to sit down and shut up.

2. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.

3. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.

4. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.

5. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind yourself that there are children more awful than your own.

6. We childproofed our homes, but they are still getting in.

ADVICE FOR THE DAY: Be nice to your kids. They will choose your nursing home one day.

AND FINALLY:

IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF TENSION AND YOU GET A HEADACHE, DO WHAT IT SAYS ON THE ASPIRIN BOTTLE:

"TAKE TWO ASPIRIN" AND "KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN"!!!!!

This had been sent to me by a good friend and thought it too cute and true to not pass it on. Hope you all get a chuckle out of it too.

"Kids and grand-baby.... Can't help but love them!"

Gentlemen Prefer.....?

2005-03-29T23:59:00.000-08:00

I have often wondered what goes through a man’s mind when looking at other women. What is it that they first notice? Their face…their hair….or maybe their contagious smile? Or is it just plain and simply, their body…mostly the breasts? Small, medium or large…or one even better, implants? And why the fascination there? An old saying…”More than a mouthful is too much.” True or False?

What is sexy? What a woman wears? How she might walk in those very uncomfortable high heels? Or is it perhaps that “Dumb Blonde” act? (not meaning to offend any readers here.)

I had looked up a few different pictures. Some from a time no longer here and a shame that times have changed so much.

Then
******************************

*************************************

Now

*****************************

******************************************

************************

As the saying goes “You’ve come a long way, Baby!”… is very True. So gentlemen….how do you see it? Is one only good for instant entertainment? That quickie in the car or maybe a cheap motel? Wild flings with no commitment? Will you take home your “Barbie” doll to meet Mother? Or will she have to look more like this?

The Perfect One

********************************

The envelope Please...............

My Wishes for You....

2005-03-26T22:34:00.000-08:00

SPECIAL "EASTER" WISHES TO ALL!
*****

****

The Easter feeling does not end.

It signals a new beginning,

Of nature, spring, and brand new life,

And friendship, peace, and giving.

The spirit of Easter

is all about

Hope...

love...

and

joyful living.

****

Friday's Fantasy

2005-03-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

How many of these have you done lately?

Did I miss any?

If so, PLEASE do let me know.

*******

Butterfly Kiss - With your faces less than a breath away, open and close your eyelids against your partners. If done correctly, the fluttering sensation will match the one in your heart.

Cheek Kiss - A friendly, "I really like you" kiss. Often the preferred kissing method of a first date. With your hands on your partner's shoulders, gently brush your lips across her cheek.

Earlobe Kiss - Gently sip and suck the earlobe. Avoid louder sucking noises as ears are sensitized noise detectors.

Eskimo Kiss - With your faces less than a breath apart, gently rub your noses together.

Eye Kiss - Hold your partner's head with both hands and slowly move their head in the direction you wish your kiss to go... then slowly kiss up towards your partner's eyes and give them a tender kiss on top of their closed eyes.

Eyelid Kiss - While your partner is resting/sleeping with eyes closed, very very gently kiss the spot right below their browbone. A very intimate kiss.

Finger Kiss - While laying together gently suck on their fingers. This can be very seductive and pleasurable.

Foot Kiss - An erotic and romantic gesture. It may tickle, but relax and enjoy it! To give a toe kiss by gently suck the toes and then lightly kissing the foot. It helps to gently massage the base of the foot while performing the kiss.

Forehead Kiss - The "motherly" kiss or "just friends" kiss. The forehead kiss can be a comforting kiss to anyone. Simply brush your lips lightly across the crown of their head.

Freeze Kiss (or Melt Kiss) - Experiment with this fun kiss. Put a small piece of ice in your mouth, then open mouth and kiss your partner, passing them the ice with your tongue. It's an erotic and sensual french kiss with a twist of cold.

French Kiss - The kiss involving the tongue. Some call this the "Soul Kiss" because the life and soul are thought to pass through the mouth's breath in the exchange across tongues. Surprisingly, the French call this "The English Kiss".

Fruity Kiss - Take a small piece of fruit and place between your lips (juicy fruits such as grapes, strawberries, small pieces of pineapple or mango are ideal). Kiss your partner and nibble one half of the piece of fruit while they nibble the other until it breaks in half, allowing the juice to run into your mouths.

Hand Kiss - Gently raise her hand to your lips. Lightly brush your lips across the top of her hand. Historically this kiss was performed with a bow, which showed deference to a lady.

Hickey Kiss - The object is not to draw blood, but to gently leave a mark that will prove your interlude was not a dream. This is often included in erotic foreplay.

Hostage Kiss - Cover your lips with tape and get your love's attention. When they come near, make noises like you're trying to tell them something and motion as if you can't get the tape off. Once they remove the tape from you to hear what you're trying to say tell them: "I've been saving my lips all day just for you!" Then kiss your love passionately!

Hot and Cold Kiss - Lick your partner's lips so that they're warm, and then gently blow on them. The sudden cold blast makes for a sensual explosion, and they will often try it on you next, as well as get very passionate.

Mistletoe Kiss - Surprise your lover by capturing them with a gentle holiday kiss under the mistletoe. This is also a good method for shyer individuals to steal a kiss from a potential lover.

Letter Kiss - Send your lover a kiss in a love letter by writing the letter x several times in a row at the bottom of a letter such as XXXXX.

Lick Kiss - Just before kissing, gently run your tongue along you partners lip whether it be the top or bottom one depending on the position of your lips. Very sensual.

Lip Sucking Kiss - When kissing gently suck on their lower lip. This can be very exciting.

Neck Nibble Kiss - Gently nibble up and down your partners neck. End with a gentle kiss on the lips.

Nip Kiss - This kiss can create a very erotic sensation. While kissing your partner, ever so gently nibble on their lips. You must be very careful not to bite to hard or hurt your partner. When done correctly, this kiss ignites wonderful sensations.

Reverse Lips Kiss - It involves standing above your lover and kissing them from over their head. This way, each kisser can take the hyper-sensitive bottom lip of thier lover in their mouths, and GENTLY draw blood to the surface of the lip by nibbling and sucking. A very sensuous, connecting kiss.

Searching The Cavern - Use the lips and tongue to gently tickle and kiss your lover's navel. Vary speeds and stroke to change sensation. Invigorating and intoxicating.

Shoulder Kiss - Simply come from behind, embrace her, and kiss the top of her shoulder. This is a sensual, loving kiss.

Sip Kiss - Take a small sip of your favorite drink. Leaving a little bit of it on your lips, kiss your partner. It is a unique way to create a sensual feeling and your partner will enjoy it.

Talking Kiss - Whisper sweet nothings into your partner's mouth. If caught in the act, simply say as Chico Marx, "I wasn't kissing her. I was whispering into her mouth."

Teaser Kiss - Starting on the forehead, a sweet short kiss on lips, then move up the arms up to her hand, kiss her hand, then come back up her arm, to her face and then lightly kiss her lips till she wants a passionate kiss.

The Buzzing Kiss - Gently place your lips against your lover's neck , behind their ear. Now, send a shudder through their skin by gently growling and humming, vibrating your lips and cheeks as you do so. Move up and down the neck, over the bones of the face and lips. Stimulating and erotic when done correctly.

The Whipped Cream Kiss - Dip your finger into some cool whip or whipped cream of your choice. Lick it off slowly, then embrace your partner and kiss them deeply letting their tongue slip over yours for a wonderfully sweet kiss. It's very seductive and passionate.

Tiger Kiss - Quietly sneak up behind your partner making sure they do not know what you are going to do. Out of the blue, grab them and gently bite their neck. Make sure to get a few good growls in too. This will surely surprise them.

Trickle Kiss - Take a sip of a favourite drink and trickle it slowly into partner's mouth while kissing.

Tongue Sucking - A variation of the French kiss. During an open-mouth kiss gently suck on your partner's tongue (not too hard because it may hurt). Very sexy :-)

Quickie Kiss - When you're in a rush. Often the nose gets it rather than the lips.

Vacuum Kiss - While kissing open-mouthed, slightly suck in as if you were sucking the air from your partners mouth. This is a playful kiss.

Wake Up Kiss - Before your partner awakes lean over and kiss their cheek and move over giving soft kisses until you reach their lips. Definitely a more than pleasant way to wake up!

***********

So how well did you do?

"The Birds and the Bees"... and me

2005-03-11T17:05:00.000-08:00

These days it seems that to talk about sex is like talking about the weather. Which made me wonder, was I the only one in the world that hadn’t a clue about what happened behind bedroom doors only I got married? Couldn’t be…not possible…but then again…..maybe.

My mother and I never had that girl to girl talk as I was growing up. What I knew about the “birds and the bees” only came to me by what we were taught in Sex Education class…6th grade I believe. Not being the curious type and shy (turning all shades of red) those thoughts didn’t enter my mind. Strange, now that I think back on it.

"Interesting...I'm supposing."

I can honestly say I never saw my parents in any compromising situations…EVER. As far a as I knew they only had sex once in there life and look what happened..ME! What a nightmare…hahaha! Did you ever catch your parents in the act?

These traits continued on between my daughter and me. We never discussed what happened between a girl and boy. Heck, the natural changing of the body was never brought up for that matter. Why is that so hard for some? Is it the sheltered life you lead? Or are we all differently made up to how curious we are?

Many years after I was married the issue came up. Can’t exactly say how, but from that conversation, I did get that my mom hated sex. She only did it because if she didn’t maybe my dad would go astray. Kind of sad, when you think about it. Plus, her theory was, if you use it to much, it will break. Well now a day’s there is Viagra…so break away!

Thee... "Miracle Pill!"

I have change my view point some. Now with my daughter being 28, her and I have had some rather interesting talks….Gees…. her wisdom blows me away… !!! At first it was a bit interesting and we both turned many shades, kind of funny, but we had some good laughs. At the end of the topic her comment was “I’d never thought I would be telling and/or giving my mom advice”! You know, me neither!….hahaha

However, all of this has been a hinder for me in my own walk. Not opening up early on in my marriage, has kept certain doors shut with my own relationship…and this after almost 30 years of marriage. To talk freely about what I might want or like will always be kept inside. I do believe that part of this now has to do because I know how my partner thinks….and most likely would wonder where this is coming from. He would say something like this “You’ve always been satisfied….what gives? “I’m suddenly not good enough anymore?!?” Also he’d probably would frown down up on it.
"Never changing?"

" Oh yeah...baby!"

His ego would take a dive. I know this from something I had done…simply by giving him a special book on how to spice up life as a Valentines gift a few years back. It didn’t go over very well. Making little hints here and there…the reply is “yea, yea”….but it never changes. Why? What does it take? Or is it the old saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”! Seriously, I do believe that’s true. But he has noticed I’ve changed…slowly but surely. Past few years I have found a more confident me. Seems I’m not the same daddy longlegs that I was in school. The nerd with red hair an a funny name. Must be age….if you don’t like me and what you see…”Go fly a kite” or better yet “Take a hike on a short pier” See confidence!

"Changes"

But from time to time I’m still in a box looking out and wondering…..”IS IT ME?”

Boring today...but not tomorrow!

2005-03-07T22:58:00.000-08:00

Type of day…I would have to say 100% better than last week. Had my first follow- up and everything is coming along just fine. Healing is going well…biopsy came out great…and once the stitches come out (hopefully next Monday) things really will be going my way. I did have to ask how many stitches they needed and the grand total was 40. Thank goodness 25 will just dissolve and 15 they’ll need to remove. Will it hurt? Or just feel odd? Guess I’ll find out soon enough.

Afterwards we celebrated my grand daughter’s 6th birthday. She wanted to go to Chucky Cheese and bring her 2 best friends. I don’t know who had more fun….the big boys like my dad and son and Jason….or the little kids. Would you believe among those 3 they won 1,873 tickets…..total money spent for them was only $20. I think it was good and where else can you find 2 ½ of entertainment for so little. Collette than picked a purple Lava lamp and we all thought for sure she’d go for the pretty Barbie. Kids will never stop to amaze you.

By the time I finally got to go home I was very much ready to give my foot some much needed rest. All and all though, it was a nice day. Good ending for a Monday.

Even though this might be boring for some…I do promise that tomorrow’s blog will be a bit more interesting……topic….”Sex”….

So stay tuned…………

Happy Birthday Collette!!!

2005-03-04T16:22:00.000-08:00

After the doc got done with it! Oh soooo pretty..wouldn't you agree? Tape hides the stitches.

2005-03-04T16:19:00.000-08:00

This is the bugger that caused me 12 years of pain.......

shhh...it's a secret!

2005-03-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

It's been tough getting the brain to focus these past few days. The first 2 days after having my cyst removed, my ankle, toes and calf became quite swollen..To the point where I thought for sure they would "POP"!!! No movement and practically numb, dead, and HOT...oh my gosh(ice cubes melting in 30 seconds flat!).

The day of surgery I was informed that the nerve might be slightly damaged which could cause permanent loss of feelings and secondly, for the next 2 weeks.."YES 14 days", I would have to have my foot up just about all the time. Potty breaks were the exceptions. HA! Don't they know who they are dealing with here? Guess not. That's like putting a 2 year old in a high chair and telling her that she can't get down for a loooooong time. Not this baby!!!

I have been crawling....hopping....scooting...anything to not be stuck in one place, the couch. I do believe that during this short time I have found muscles that I haven't ever had to use before. What's up with that?!? But it seemed this morning was my worst day yet. My mood: total depression. Not enough sleep due to discomfort and constant throbbing all night long. I now have a small sense of what "Chinese torture" might be like.

What's the sense of going on with life if you can't even give your foot a bath? It's throbbing now. Cold has taken over the hotness and been confined to bandages and more bandages and a special shoe. And get this ...this is not even a designer shoe. Rather an ugly dog you wouldn't catch me wearing to "walk" my dog.

So after every one finally left me this morning, I first had a good cry....pity party for myself....and then I did the unthinkable...I took it "ALL" off. I didn't care about the doctors orders. I wasn't planning on walking or anything just let my toes breath....to feel freedom once again. Was my foot really dead all over? First the shoe...then the sock...next to go was the ace bandage and then the bandage....finally the gauze. That was a little stuck due to blood and it did just for a brief second make me hesitate...but then what the heck...what are they going to do to me.....Spank me? HAHAHAHA! They'd never know. My little secret...and I don't think they know my blogging address either!

Well it wasn't the prettiest site...the stitches are still covered with tape...but my foot felt new life. It could breathe again....feel the breeze blowing on it...ahhh! I do believe I was in heaven for a few minutes. Just sat there and enjoyed it. Now I'm feeling much better. Life has new meaning once more...and you say "What? All because you took a few bandages off? LOL...Yep...that's all it took. I'm a content camper once more...well at least for the next few days.

Monday...All day too........

2005-02-27T22:55:00.000-08:00

Am I in the mood ...

for Monday.... Dude?

Can you see the smile?

Well.....maybe in a while!
You ask "Why the frown?"

Well, hey why not,

I'm kinda down.

************

The other one inside of me....

Is Grumpy.

Do you see?

He's got an atittude.

Plus let me tell you.....HA!!!

What a mood.

But then again, what can one expect.

Today is the day...

El Doctor gets his way.

He's going to poke and cut,

burn and sew.

Yes...... I must say

What a fun way to spend

MY MONDAY.

***********************

But I won't leave you

gloomy and down.....but share a picture

of a little girl just sitting around.

In a meadow of flowers...with a few she picked

just for you.

***********************

Trying to Relaxing..........

2005-02-24T17:52:00.000-08:00

As this week continues my anxiety keeps getting higher......

"Why" you ask....well then that's where my "Horror"story begins: This coming Monday I have a minor little surgery that needs to be done under my ankel. No biggy, only positive thinking allowed. I'm just not fond of being put under or the nasty IV's they like to give.

I had most of my pre-tests done last week such as general pyhsical, where I managed to fail the simple little testing of blood pressure. Too high, needs to be under control....here ya go pop a few pills and all should be well for the moment. Then standard x-ray, which was fine might I add. Also, due to age, they said an EKG was needed. Which too was great. So you say "What's the problem".....now the story gets better!

This Monday I went for my blood work. (Mind you, I hate needles.) Easy to suck my blood. Got great veins to stab, but some are just too much in a hurry and literally pull it out at full speed. Ouch!!! Then comes the first phone call Tuesday afternoon...."We forgot to run a few of the tests...could you please come in and give me MORE!! " HA!.....I wanted to say back...but feeble complied and gave another LARGE tube.

Today I had the follow-up on my dentist. One cap fit great, but the veneer was the wrong color and shape. So they finished up the rest of the drilling and then had to re-do the front tooth......Well let me tell you....it looked like CRAP! Nevers shot I spoke up... You want me to wear this for 4 weeks? What you fail to remember is, after Monday, I won't be coming in for at least 4 weeks. I need a break here. I need a little healing time from all you "SPECIAL" people!

GGgrrrrrrrhhh !!!! This temp isn't staying, plus your time for drilling and grinding has run out. My 3 hour limit just expired. I'm not a baby, but I DO HATE the DENTIST. They then put a rush order in to have it by Saturday...Gosh once again I already have a shot with my name on it. They can't bond without novacaine. I'm thrilled. NOT!!

But the saga continues...I come home the phone light is blinking so
I listened to my one and only message. The Lab....they lost my Blood..."What the heck.....you selling it on E-bay or something? " We are so sorry for your inconvience, but we DO need another sample today because the doctor needs all test results by tomorrow when you see him. And you wonder sometimes why people snap. I'm almost there myself!

Take a deep breath...close your eyes and just imagine something wonderful

"Calgone" take me away....

Closing my eyes.

Shutting out the world.

For just a moment in time...

I can let myself relax.

This "Horriffic" day...

just draining away.

As I start to dream,

this image comes to mind.

Yes.....that's better.

I do like to let my mind run wild.

Do you?

For a Moment...out of "the" Box

2005-02-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a mood strikes and you wonder...."What If"?!? Ever go through these yourself perhaps? What thoughts roam through your mind...go back in time? What time...what era? Still a child perhaps starting all a fresh..or maybe those teenage years where life was yet not so grown up..carefree would be the term perhaps..or then you have your 20's...30's...or even 40's...but I'll stop there just because.

What would you change if anything? Or better yet the answer I like most...to have the knowledge and have learned the leasons that I know now, but maybe live a little bit more. We all have dreams....real or fantasy? Mine...I guess, will always be fantasy cause no one would play along....and some may not approve....after all, I am suppose to be the grown adult here. Head on straight and focused. Not always fair though ....Is It!?! But no one can tell me what or how to dream.....that's "ALL MINE" to do as I wish.

So I leave you with this picture I found......playful!

***

"Feeling naughty...?"
*
Lets run away soon
and leave all of man kind behind.
*
I don't need them...
*
Do "YOU"?
*
Once your eyes have looked into mine...
You will see...hmmmm
*
We're truly meant to be!

Bugs on the Brains

2005-02-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered yourself if a bug…big or small does actually have a brain? I know what scientists say…”No they just exist!” Instinct gives then their senses, not brains. Feelings? What about those? Again..”No”….but yet if you watch closely you will see them react to differnt things they are exposed to. Be it heat, cold, water…or a few missing body parts So how can one safely say they don’t have a brain or feelings?!?

This brings me to a small story of the day.

“A Spider and the Worm”

Last summer in our backyard a “BIG” spider found a place to cast its web. Big web at that…..in the mornings, the dew would settle on it like diamonds and the spider would go into hiding. I’m thinking, getting ready to catch it’s breakfast for the morning. Having only seen on TV such documents of a spider catching his prey and going through the ritual of keeping it safe, I wanted to see if possibly I could get an upfront view myself.

Having a few mealworms at hand I took one on the end of a long..long stick and placed it in the middle of this masterpiece. First one fell through…second did too, but the third... he got stuck. Stepping a bit more back, I stood waiting. The worm was wiggling like crazy trying to free itself, only to get tangled even more. Suddenly however, some of the webbing gave way…just about free, the Spider came charging down…..grabbed the worm and bit it. The fight left the worm. He was now paralyzed to his great dismay.

My guilt started to come into play…that poor, poor worm….what have I done…helplessly trapped….didn’t even fly into it but was placed. Yet I continued to stare in wonder. How quickly his legs...like hands worked just like in the movies, he had what seems like a never ending supply of sticky string and spun a cocoon around this poor worm. His speed was amazing. I stood in fascination while the hairs on my back stood up…the horror of it but at the same time ,yet awed.

Few few times I wanted to save this poor little thing especially as my mind got more carried away….and with a movie you all have seen I am sure…..

****

"THE FLY"
**

*

"Help me...help me PLEASE,

Any one...Please I'm down here.

Oh Please!!

***

With that in mind...what do you think???

Back in Time.....

2005-02-15T21:54:00.000-08:00

Today was a day to go back in time. My grand daughter came over in the afternoon and wanted to look at pictures. That brought us to here. First it was her album...then Mommie's album...then mine(grandma. Wow......makes me sound like a model T...ya know, kinda old...Oh joy! ).

++++

+++

Another place....

another time......

Little me standing,

between friends of mine.

Oh granma, how could it be.....

for surely it doesn't look like thee?!?

"Me and my friends...many moons ago."
++++

+++

Then there's me standing by a lake.

Thinking to myself....

"Hmmmm, What's it going to take?

I want these fishy's to eat my bits of cake!"

"Goodies to Share"

++++

+++

Then last but not least....

Me and Daddy sitting on the grass,

over looking our homeland.....far, far away.

"Taking a break"

++++

She had decided that these pictures were her favorites. However, what still puzzled her is how could one become so "old"....again antique came to mind....hahaha! The best I could say was with each day and year that passes, every birthday you have, you grow.

You could see that little brain working as I watched her face...and then she said...."Grandma, you know what? I don't think I want any more birthdays. I just want to stay like this forever."

Well, I had to ask just one more question..."Does that mean you don't want your Birthday party in a few weeks?" Again she was thinking very hard....but finally said..."We'll maybe just one more. Will that still be Ok?"

If only they would remember that as they get older and can't wait to grow up.

Valentine's "Perfect Lovers"

2005-02-14T01:41:00.000-08:00

Which one is the "ROLE" for you?
??????

???
"Bad Boy.........."

My heart is a bargin today.

Will you take it?

**
****

"Cowboy and the Angel"

I love the idea of there being two sexes,

don't you?

**
****
"A true Romantic"

In short I will part anything

for you, but you!

****

"Charming and Handsome

Where love is concerned,

too much is not enough.

****

"No will never do"

The most precious possession that

ever comes to man in this world,

is a woman's heart.

****
"Wild and Free"

I never knew it could be like this!

Nobody ever kissed me the way you do.

****

Wanting to wish all you readers a very

"HAPPY VALENTINES DAY".

And as long as your here....why not pic the picture that you would like to be in too?!?

The Dentist

2005-02-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

"Open wide....look a the girlie!"

Whom do I hate more...the dreaded dentist or the ob-gyn? Hmmmmm, at this moment in time it must be the DENTIST. It never fails, go for a cleaning and they always find more....must be the age thing.

But what choices have you got...

if you don't,

go your teeth may rot.

Our dentist, to get to her office, you walk down this long dreary hallway....I can just imagine cobwebs hanging down...hands coming out off the wall to rush me along into that special room...teeth every where gashing at me...the Nightmare begins.

So friendly at the front desk..."Oh do come in and make yourself at home...your chair is all ready for you." Gulp,gulp...gulp.

My heart starts racing...

"WHY didn't I call and cancel...

oh yeah right...

my teeth might rot."

She walks in friendly as can be...kinda makes your skin crawl..."Lets take a few X-rays and see where you stand...oh dear...this doesn't look good...and yes over here too another one that needs to be fixed....almost done now...Are you OK still? Well... the final answer is 3...You need 3 teeth fixed AND since all your fillings are sooooo old and big, a cap is needed if you want to save your real tooth.

My answer...

"fine do what you have to ...

I need my teeth to chew my food

and flash those pearly whites."

Here comes the needle...
one...two....three shots...there... that should do it for the top two, as she gets going and grinds my 2 teeth to a stub....

Oh my Gosh..

PAIN..

STOP....

one more shot

PLEASE...

Can I still talk...does my lips still work...

uuuh..nope we are truly DEAD now.

What seems an eternity...3 hours later I walk out....they have finally finished jack-hammering my brains......the ringing in my ears is very loud.....and the drooling oh YES the drooling begins....In the back of my mind all I hear is the girl at the desk saying very sweetly...

We'll see you again in 2 weeks Angel.

Have a wonderful rest of the day.

GRRRRRRRHHHH.....

How dare they!

oh yes...and lets not forget the wonderful BILL!!!!

Special "Love Letter to You"

2005-02-09T22:59:00.000-08:00

I shall seek and find you.

**
Force you into bed
and have my way with you.

***
I will make you ache, shake,and sweat
until you moan.

**
I will make you beg for mercy,
beg for me to stop.

***
I will exhaust you to the point
that you will be relieved when I'm finished.

**
I will leave you weak in the knees,
with your head spinning for days.

All my love,
The Flu

How many love letters would you like?...Uhhh, I think one would be enough for me.

Inventions....Would you wear it?

2005-02-06T22:27:00.000-08:00

Could it work... maybe?

****

Just another one of those days...

You wake up in the morning...

Your nose is stuffy....

What can you say?!?

Oh please "No"...

cause once again I'll be feeling so low.

My head is aching,

my bones... oh so sore.

My nose is dripping...

need I say more?!?

I'll just stay in bed.

Let the whole world think I'm dead.

A few days will have to pass....

And then I'll surely will be,

Back to being good ole'

"ME"

When I came across this contraption on the web got to wonderng would some one really wear such an outrageous thing. No matter how bad the drip, I don't think it would be for me. You..... maybe?

Is there even an ANSWER?

2005-02-03T15:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while my daughter was here for her normal mid-week visit, (let the record show she is 28 and a single mom), we got to talking. Out of the blues she asked..."Mom, what is the purpose of life?" I looked at her funny and smile thinking, there must be a catch. She right away looked even more serious and stated..."This is not a trick question or a riddle...I'm serious here." Wow..okay, was my next response.

I pondered for a minute and she right away jumped in and said "You don't really know either do you?....Who-aw, this was going well I thought. :) So a few more minutes passed before I replied..."honestly I don't think there is a set answer". Then I drew this conclusion...When your little you get to enjoy your childhood learning, playing and having fun. Hopefully a good childhood. Then you turn into a young adult and life takes on more meaning...more learning, being on your own and also having fun along the way. Depending on the paths you choice decides what's next....career or family or perhaps more.

Now it's your turn to be the parent....work...work and more work...but along the way watching your family grow and starting a new cycle. Still having fun along the way, hopefully but generally life is a bit more serious. Then you get even older...your kids are now grown and your life once more becomes your own. New things new adventures....granted still work and most likely that will be the case until you just can't anymore.

Depending on whether you believe in God or reincarnation or just plan old dead-dead....will decide what happens thereafter. During this time you can just hope that your health is always at least OK...and that you make wonderful happy memories along with some that may not be the best...but again that is all part of life. Maybe a test to see what you do with your life if you believe in God. (the kids were all brought up to have such faith but at the end it is still their decision on what they want to believe).

At this point I had finished and thought I did OK...lol ...She looks at me and says "It's all about working pretty much until the day you die?" I replied.."Well, ya sorta, plus whatever you choice to do along the way. There are no limits except the ones you set for yourself."

She than goes..."I hope I get reincarnated and come back as a fly no less!" This really surprised me so I asked why. And this was her comeback..."Well at least then I can come back and shit on all those that have made me mad!" I looked at her laughingly and asked "Are we having a bad day or something?" And we both just busted up laughing.

Out of the mouth of babes, even if they are 28. :) I think as parents our kids will forever do something or say something that will totally leave you at awe.....

My question is now though.....What is life really all about? What is it's purpose? Am I even close to the truth here?

Food for thought.....

2005-02-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

As I was flipping through the pages of a local newspaper this morning I came across an article from a journalist who had a taken a trip with his family to Banda Aceh to help with the tsunami victims. He had many interesting stories to tell. I guess when you go and see things first hand it makes an even more lasting impression.

But what really got me thinking is when he made this statement.."Nobody in Asia is eating fish, as far away as China, everyone refuses to buy fish thinking the fish have eaten all the missing people." I think my jaw dropped..and my eyes, well like in the cartoons, popped out, and the mouth watering gag reflection, well, it also also started up. What a crazy thought.....but it did plant that little seed of doubt.

Is this possible? Would fish really eat the dead bodies? I do know that fish eat their own bones clean and anything else that happens to float along that just might be tastier. But humans? So I had to do a little research just to ease my own mind a bit.

The answer...No...thank God...NO....well, at least there is no evidence at this point that proves this theory. But I guess unless the fish are brought in from other waters, far far away from this tragedy, locals, as well as visitors, are not eating the fish caught in their waters.
If your interest in doing your own research just type in :Tsunami..fish...dead bodies...you'll find the same information I did.

Honestly, and that is if I was a fish lover, I wouldn't be eating those fish either.

How's that for "food for thought" ?!?

In Face of "Danger"

2005-01-30T22:30:00.000-08:00

Standing up for "Rights"!!

***

The backyard was dead silent except for the noise chattering of this little guy. Having to investigate I went outside and noticed a big "Red tail Hawk" sitting in one of our trees. All the little birds had gone to hide except this daring critter. He wasn't going to be chased out of the backyard, away from his peanuts. Can you blame him? He has his "Rights"! (I couldn't get both pictures on here.)

This made me think about the elections that just took place in Iraq today. A very hard day for the Iraqi's....should they come out and cast their votes...or continue to be intimidated by these terrorists? NO...absolutely not. They took a stand...a stand for their "Freedom"...their "Rights" all 8 million.

This war and those that died fighting in it, have no longer done so in vein. They have made history....they have set the captives free. For once the media is truly showing the bright side and the negative pun-dents are tongue tied.

I know things aren't done yet and there are more trials ahead, but this is a "Big" step in the right direction.

Could we Survive?

2005-01-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought what it might be like if we didn't have the News.... everyday? 24/7? From the first light of day, or whenever you open your eyes, how soon do "YOU" want to hear what is going on around you or in the world? What is it today that will inspire my train of thought? What tragedy or grief? Is it ever good?

It seems that it has become like a bad caffeine addiction. Like Red Bull. Or for some, cup after cup of coffee......or whatever else might get your blood pumping.

How many of you out there could survive if you only heard "THE NEWS" once a week or better yet, every 2 weeks?!? Would you have withdrawals? Would it give you nothing to complain about? Would your life be over? Hmmmm...most likely "YES".

Today I though while out running my errands I would listen to see how many would mention a "News" story. At the bank the 2 behind me were talking about "News"...the Post office a couple were talking about "The News"....At the grocery no different....even the cashier asked me my thoughts on this suicide guy. Once at home and still counting....3 phone calls...my mom....my friend and my daughter. All having something to say about one thing or another regarding News. We can't live without it..can we?

Does anyone ever take the time to just stop and have pleasant thoughts? Look around you...seeing something new and maybe good? I'm almost thinking "NOT". Why should we...that just might make life to boring.

So do tell...."Could YOU survive without the News daily?"

In Memory of...Muffins

2005-01-25T20:45:00.000-08:00

Muffins snoozing in the sun....

******

This little quail I got as an egg...make it 3 eggs...at the fairgrounds 5 years ago. The first year she had a playmate..Buddy. (two out of three of these eggs had hatched) Buddy however, only lived for 1 1/2 years.

Muffins at first was very distraught over this, and would just hide from us. But after a few weeks and much determination on my part we became pals. No longer did she run away from you, but if you didn't give her the time of day she would cry and complain loud enough to wake the dead.

During the day she lived outside in her pen. The grass in her area always taller than she. It was hide and seek and if something startled her she would run in her cage and hide. At night she would be brought in to the garage and dare you be out there doing something and you didn't let her join you. She would put up a tizzy fit.

Many nights my daughter would go out and do her crafts in the garage and would have to let Muffins out otherwise she just wouldn't keep quiet. Then to top it off she would sit right in the middle of everything and very softly talk to you.

Muffins enjoyed being held, and sleeping in your hand just like she was doing in this picture. She never wanted to fly away. Having given her many unsupervised playtime in the backyard. She had no fear....and even let the doggie know if it was to close, invading her space.

I think she had a good and happy life....everyone giving her lots of love and attention. This past Sunday however, she went to Birdie Heaven. One thinks how silly to mourn over a quail....but if you had of met her you would have seen for yourself how special she was.

May she now be in an even better place...way up high among other little quails.

The Perfect "KISS"....

2005-01-21T22:45:00.000-08:00

"The Perfect Kiss"

Have you ever thought what the pefect kiss might be? So I closed my eyes and began to imagine how it would take shape.........Never underestimate the power of such a kiss. Get it right, and the rest will fall into place.

*******************************************
Oh, the egos we would crush if men could hear the post-mortems. If any guys happen to be running with us, they immediately demand to know what exactly constitutes a bad or good kisser. So we tell them about the all-purpose litmus test:

***************************************

A bad kisser, reguardless of whether he likes to secrete a gallon of drool or waggle his head like a dog menacing a bone, seems to be simultaneously thinking: " When can we get to step two? And three and four? Is she aroused yet? can I put my hand on her breast now?" He sees kissing as the next step on a carnal quest.

******************************************

The good kisser, however, sees the kiss as the destination itself. He kisses as if he will never do anything else with this woman, as if he never wants to do anything else with this woman. He kisses as if this is what he's been dying to do for years and he wants to savor every moment. I guarantee you that this is when the woman decides there will be other activities on the agenda.

***************************************
And then of course there is one more thing that I must try one of these days...Try opening your eyes.

**********************

A quote from some one who did:

*************

"I once cautiously opened my eyes while kissing and saw a pair of brown eyes staring back at me, which made the kiss even better because it became more intimate. Some people find this to be an impossible task (like sneezing with your eyes open), but while the prevailing belief is that we must try to block out all other sensations, you may find that kissing with your eyes open is the sensual equivalent of making love with the lights on."

*************

So I guess one day when the mood is right and I am floating on cloud 9, I'll have to give it a shot.

Beautiful Sunday...at last!

2005-01-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

"Who could ask for more..?"

Walking hand in hand...

on the sandy shores.

Here in California...

who could as for more!?!

Barefoot in the sand,

Some working on their tan...

Looking over the ocean blue,

I see a smile

on Me

You.

As many of us would say here on the West Coast, "It was truly a spectacular day, especially after last week end." The sun was shining brightly...the skies filled with whispy white clouds . And the temperature....well you could almost get away with wearing a bathing suit, and some did. Taking a long walk on the sands you saw the birds just sitting around watching the boats go by.

Life slowly creeped back onto the sandy shores of California.

Care to guess....?

2005-01-12T15:52:00.000-08:00

It was just another cold day in Alaska over New Years as my daughter spotted this magnificent creature coming out of the water. Shamu?...He lives in Alaska? Did you know this? Or maybe it's just one of his other relatives wanting to be come famous too.

"Why should Cousin Shamie get all the fame and fortune...?!?

I'm just as handsome as he....

Maybe even more so, cause I'm a she!

As for tricks....I know a few.

How's this..Popping through the snow?

Cool...Wouldn't you agree? LOL...

So, now...

Where's my bucket of fish for a treat?

I promise...I'll be real sweet.

"Real or Make-believe? "

"HELP ME".....transformation beginning...

2005-01-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

It seems that the inevitable has finally come about. I had left my planet in hopes of becoming more "human-like"...but due to all this rain, the chemistry in my body...because of lack of sun and only rain, has once more transformed me to the life I once lived. "Swamp thing".....Is there no escaping this???? Is no place safe for us Aliens? If this rain is to continue for just a few more days, I will be forced to move yet again..................noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

I had so enjoyed the change that had over come me....No longer a green shade of color was my skin..but a creamy white...and ever so soft to the touch..my hair feeling like silk..my feet, actually had 10 toes... with pretty colored toe nails too.

And now...what is to be come of me yet again.....

"Oh rain..PLEASE do STOP.....and SOON!!!!"

"My greatest fear.......too much water..."

Drip...drip...drop...

2005-01-08T23:38:00.000-08:00

Oh me....Oh my... when will I see a "Clear" blue sky...

This rain just keeps on coming down....

and I'm truly having to frown.

Ya know...Enough is Enough...

cause all this water, sure makes things ruff.

Ya know...I don't want to complain...

for I really do like the rain.

But still...I've had my fill.

I need my sun....so I can have some fun.

So there ya go...

Enough is Enough...

drip...drop....drip....drop...drop...

drop...

"Oh me..Oh my...will this rain never stop falling from the sky on me?"

Day is Done....

2005-01-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

A "Special" Paradise
Where the warm, soft breeze caresses my skin.
Where the clear blue waters lure me in.
Watching the palm trees swaying in the wind.
Feeling the sand flow....through my hand.

As the day comes to an end,
I sit and watch the setting sun.
The sky aglow in brilliant color,
slowly to be replaced with twinkling stars.

And still the warm, soft breeze caresses me.
This is my "Special" Paradise.

A picture taken by mistake...but a "Moment" captured "Ohhh, So "Great"!

A New Day Awaits......

2005-01-01T14:15:00.000-08:00

The past behind...
The present at hand....
The "FUTURE" to come....

Who knows what lies beyond the stars....
A "universe" ...
still to be explored....

Dreams to follow ...
goals to grasp....
A "destiny"....
waiting to be fulfilled...

"My" time....
"Your" time....

"Our" time...
Truly is "NOW"....

For no one knows....
what "TOMORROW" may bring.

A "New Year" ahead....

2004-12-29T16:24:00.000-08:00

It's been a while and I've been thinking.
Another year has come and gone.
What have I accomplished???
Hmmm ...gonna take some serious rehashing on my part.
Over all no big changes. Life has.. just gone on.

New Years resolution....don't we set them all? Aren't they always the same...lol

First there is the diet,
then the need to exercise regularly.
After that the goal to save money instead of spend it.
Did I leave any thing out....?
Oh yeah... quit smoking and drinking...
and since I do neither,
I guess I passed that goal!

So for starters I'll keep last years list and add a few more .
Maybe this will be the year I find out what lies ahead of me.....
decide to pursue a career in something.
It's not that I can't... but more.... my lazy excuse of
"I'm too old".

How many of you can relate..hmmm?!? Not happy in that job but to lazy too try.
Or better yet...
maybe to scared to take that first step.

Well, I've got my list down...maybe something else will jump out.....
Oh wait I've already have a thought....
try something new....something different.
Lets see what that might be.

Might be a Fantasy...
or maybe pretend...
But lets all just wait and see.... where this "New" Year will end.

Is it over yet?

2004-12-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

Twas almost the night before Christmas,

and looking around everything is still a big mess.

Oh... where do I start?

At this moment my head does smart.

Wrapping presents. Sitting on the floor.

All I really want to do is head out that front door!

Coming to my senses, for duty does call,

at least I've finished walking the mall.

Cleaning the house, dinner to fix,

maybe I'll play me some Christmas Dixie Chicks.

Many hours have now passed...

looking around me I do think I've finished at last!

No wait! One more snip here, one more tuck there.

Now all is done, with time to spare.

The final countdown has begun,

sixty hours then I'll truely be done.

~ SANTA'S COOKIES ~

There is "HOPE"......

2004-12-20T22:25:00.000-08:00

Many things go through my mind...the Past..the Present...and alot of the Future.

What lies ahead of "ME"?
"MY" life?
The life of "MY" children?
The life of "MY" country?

First I should say that I do not like war....any war! However, there are times when a man/country must do what is in the best interest of the people. Right or wrong, I don't have an answer. I do know that I would never want to be in the shoes of those that have to make such difficult decisions. It takes a lot of courage and in the case of Pres. Bush a lot of heat.

YES, I am a Republican.....but don't label me as a "Redneck"....I would rather be known as a Beach Babe Alien.....I don't wear a cowboy hat, bandana or ride a horse out on the farm. I prefer driving a convertible, with the top down. Swimming in the ocean and ride a surfboard. Nothing wrong with the middle of the country, but I much prefer the sunnyside coastline.

We hear so many pros and cons that sometimes, we don't know what to believe anymore. If you critizes the left they think your "Stupid" but if you choice to be "Anti"-war your Un-American...well, there I need not fear for I am truly an Alien.

This war I do feel will help put the terrorists out to pasture. Destroy their camps for trainning and as more are captured the country that they use as base will have their own turning against them. Hanging them out to dry. It may take a little bit longer than many of us would like but it has already started and this gives me "HOPE"....

I came across this article today in the APnews...
http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?tl=1&display=rednews/2004/11/21/build/world/55-cleric-vote.inc
...which has Al-Sistani (second head religious leader) issuing religious ruling requiring every man and woman to vote. It is almost at the same level of importtance as fasting during Ramadan. A very sacred obligation for religious Muslims. If they do not go out and do their duty they will surely go to Hell.

These are very strong words, and knowing that the Muslims people are strong in their faith, they will do what is required. This is the start of their freedom......a new beginning for them and their families. Their country, that has been oppressed for many, many years.
If it goes as planned "Our" troops will be able to come home soon. There will be more peace in the land.

This gives me "HOPE".....

"Our Tree"

2004-12-19T15:45:00.000-08:00

Looking back some 29 odd years, I remember it well our "first" Christmas tree, as newlyweds. All week long I had looked forward to Friday night and going together and picking out just that perfect tree. But as luck had it he came home with the flu...Ah well we did have the whole weekend. Saturday still sick and Sunday too.

That evening he told me just to go and pick the one I wanted. Taking his truck I did just that. With great pride I brought home this full and fluffy and 7ft. tall tree, only to have my feelings crushed when he pulled it out of the truck.

He said... "What is this , a Pine tree bush?....Guess that's what I get if I don't help you pick one out. " Letting out a big sigh, I watched him set it up in the livingroom. Then he went and laid down again.

It was up to me to fix it and make it perfect.....I thought if I did it like my mom it then would be alright. Our tree, when she would decorate it had candle lights(electric of course, a very European custom) and then one color of ornaments and just the right amount of tinsel. I couldn't go wrong again. I had to make it right... it would just have to be perfect.

The lights had to be little white lights since candles wasn't something you found here in the States. The ornaments, all in blue and many different shapes, but I cheated too, I had to have white icicles , besides just tinsel. By the time I had my tree finished, is was well after midnight.... and when I stepped back, it looked to me as the best tree ever.

With that I snuggled into bed beside my Honey and as he stirred I said it was all done. "You will be pleasantly surprised!"

Was I ever "WRONG"...In the morning when he got up I pretended to be asleep...thinking he would come in all happy at the good job I'd done. HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I heard him come back from the livingroom and sat up in bed with a big smile. He just looked at me for a few seconds. My heart dropped...I knew he didn't like my masterpiece.....

"What's that sterile..Mono...looking tree in there? You haven't finished yet I hope?" he stated. My jaw just dropped and didn't know what to say.....except "I guess you don't like it. "

He left for work....first I cried then wanted to tear the whole thing down, but decided he could just fix it himself if he's so great at it. ...LOL It stayed as it was and Christmas eve everyone that saw it loved it. I did feel then that I wasn't such a failure.

But here is the real story.....we went to his parents house and of course I was expecting this "MOST" gorgeous tree. In the livingroom as my eye rested on "HIS" family Christmas tree my jaw dropped again...But this time it hit the floor. In front of me stood this 7 ft tree...."All" trunk and maybe, if that many, 20 branches....hideous large colored lights and if it had 30 ornaments on it, that was probably too many. I think that Charlie Browns Christmas trees would have won the oscars if it had of been a contest....hahaha!!!

That evening as we left his folks house, driving home I just looked at him....and he said.."Don't say a word....not even one!"... But of course being a woman that doesn't work..so I just said "Can I ask something?" His response, sure go ahead and my question was ..."Is this the kind of tree you always had?...LOL....but I already guessed the answer.

We drove home in silents the rest of the way, but I knew in my heart my Christmas Tree had been the best! After that Christmas we always went together....the following year we picked many colors all shapes and sizes....and started our collection of special ornaments.

We live and we learn and we have many memories to look back upon. Those are the things, the thoughts, that Christmas brings up.

And now, time to decorate "The Christmas Tree".........................

"The Beginning"

2004-12-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

Who am "I"?
What am "I"?
Where am "I"?
Where am "I" going?
When will "I" know?

These are questions that "I" ponder daily....the list goes on......

Who am "I" to become?
What am "I" to be doing?
What is it that is expected of "ME" now that life is half way done?
Where does "MY" answer lie?
When will "I" know?

Living life as every one tells me too....doing the things that are required of me....going through the motion of "ALL" the emotions. Real or pretend?!?

Now I must stop...come to my senses...
Hormones are a muck....
and life...well
"I" could say,"Surely does suck.!"

But all in all,
"I " know,
that "I'm" not the only one out there in this universe....
that doesn't have a clue
on what to do.

When will "I" know?