Happy New Year!

It's a new year guys! New beginnings! New goals (yes, I'm an unrepentant nerd.... ) and new opportunities.

2010 is your GIFT... get ready to open it!

Peace & Blessings to each of you!

-HWHL

Bert & Ernie

I received a comment from a new reader (or, perhaps a long-time reader, but ... at the very least... a new commenter). Regardless, his name is Bert. Welcome Bert.

It made me think of Bert & Ernie.

Does anyone know where the names for Bert & Ernie came from?

I'll give you a hint.... they weren't originally muppet names.

In fact, they'd been used on the Silver Screen LONG before Jim Henson was a household name...

Muse over that, throw out some answers, and I'll come back with the Real Answer in the next day or two.

(Here's another little hint: those of you who know me know that I LOVE the source where these names originally came from.... and that's ALL I'm going to say....)

iPod Humor

So, my 12 year old daughter decided to buy an iPod with the cash she got for Christmas.

I, being VERY old school, have never owned an iPod (or ANY MP3 player for that matter).

I still listen to CD's in my car and home.... (clearly quite antiquated, I am).

Anyway, my daughter, in her Great Eagerness to use this new piece of electronic wonderment, downloaded multiple Lil' Wayne songs (that's him above... the Gangsta looking fellow that Any Sensible Person would AVOID if you saw him coming towards you on a vacant street.....). Unbeknownst to my daughter, her iPod ALSO downloaded all the sermons I had on my computer by the other man pictured above - Reverend Nathaniel Bronner - who pastors a fabulous, spirit filled church here in Atlanta - The Ark of Salvation.

Of course, my daughter is mortified that there are SERMONS on her iPod. And I (with completely serious face) tell her that there is No Way to remove them. (insert smile). So, my sweet little girl can listen to her Gangsta cRap and then have her soul uplifted by the eloquent and relevant Pastor Bronner. (I take great glee in knowing that.) God works in wonderful ways.

Car Lust

We had a party at our house Saturday night. Nothing huge - only about a dozen people - friends we've known forever - lots of laughter, food, etc.

Our friend Michael brought his new sportscar (WRX STI... pictured above, although his is black) and took me for a ride.... I literally have not driven that fast in a car in YEARS... we took some of the curvy little 2 lane roads near our house that are almost always vacant and the speed took my breath away and made me giggle until I couldn't stop. That car corners like it's on rails. It was a BLAST. :)

Later I found out that car was made for off road rally car racing. And let me tell you, driving at those speeds, around those corners made me feel like I was 17 again..... LOTSA fun.. :)

Now I'm wanting a sportscar of my very own....yes, I have Car Lust.... I wonder if I can trade in my Practical Mommy Sedan for the above?

Christmas 2009 (with a shot from Straight No Chaser)

Merry Christmas, y'all!
For someone, like me, who is NOT into Christmas at all, it never ceases to amaze me how much I actually enjoy the day once it gets here.

My husband and I decided not to get each other gifts this year. Money has been very tight, and we decided to spend our money on the kids instead. However, he surprised me this morning with a beautiful bouquet and a lovely letter about what a great wife I am and how my presence in his life was "the greatest gift". I really almost cried (and I NEVER cry). I will keep that letter (along with a few petals from the flowers) forever and ever.

After 18 years of marriage, he can still surprise me. I love that.

The kids got a ton of cash from their grandparents. They're at that age.... they don't believe in Santa.... they're too old for toys... so what do you give them? The cold hard stuff. And BOY were they happy!

On a humorous note... I believe my mother is now a candidate for a hearing aid. My 13 year old son was trying to tell her that "beer was better than wine" (from a health perspective, which isn't true by the way) and she totally mis-heard him and announced "Beer can cure the blind?"
Hilarious.

Hope you and yours had a great Christmas.
Take a moment to remember the Person the day is about.
And here's some groovy music for your enjoyment (thanks to ChiTown Girl for turning me on to these guys.... I'm now in love with them!)

Merry Christmas, Mr. Goldman.

At long last (and after 5 years in the Brazilian courts), this poor man finally has his son back. Thank God.

Blessings and peace to you, David and Sean. You deserve it, after all you've both been through.

Heard from the Back Seat

.... so my poor, stressed out, UPS man husband is up in the mountains this weekend with his buddies for a "guys weekend" (read: steaks and Grey Goose), and the kids and I are at home. I decided to take the kids out for shopping and dinner (crazy me... Atlanta Christmas traffic).

Anyway, as we're stuck in mall traffic, moving at a snail's pace, and my 13 year old son decides to quiz my 12 year old daughter in the backseat regarding "historical trivia". The results were priceless. It went something like this:


J: What was the name of the ship that took the pilgrims to America?
S: The Titanic?
J: Are you kidding?
S: (after a long silence) No.
J: No, it was NOT the Titanic. It was the Mayflower.
J: Ok, let's try another one. Why did the pilgrims come to America?
S: Were they ill?
(at this point, I'm laughing hysterically, but silently... tears are streaming down my face.... suffice it to say that history is NOT my daughter's strong suit....)
J: NO, they were not ill. (He sighs loudly.)
J: OK, how about this. Who did the Americans fight?
S: (starting to get exasperated... she doesn't want to miss a 3rd question..) What do you MEAN who did the Americans fight? We've fought LOTS of people!
J: I'll give you a big hint. They wore RED COATS.
(I almost wreck the car at this point, I'm laughing so hard....)
S: (triumphantly) The British!

J and I both start to clap. We're thrilled she got one right.

I love being a mom. Even though my kids aren't little anymore, and the "magic" of Santa is long gone, moments like this one are priceless.... I loved this!

The Amazing Sam Tesh, Part II

The Amazing Sam Tesh, Part I

Why Dan Philips is my New Hero!

How frikkin cool is THIS?!

Life. Death.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about death..... because of the death of my friend Deron. And really, Deron was completely prepared for this. He'd had CF his whole life. He knew the double lung transplant was a gamble, and he was totally prepared for that.

I truly believe Deron is in the presence of God now, and has the eternal body the Bible promises believers.... one without flaw, and one that is not marred by sickness and pain. And that's a beautiful thing. However, my heart still grieves for his wife and children.

So, I've been thinking about LIFE... and about the importance of LIVING while one is alive. We all tend to forget about the IMPERMANENCE of our state here on Earth, don't we? As though we'll always be here. But we won't. One day our time here will be done. It might be tomorrow, or it might be when we're 102 years old. Only God knows the day. But our days are, indeed, numbered.

So, LIVE. Quit thinking in "...one day...." terms.
(And I'm saying this for my OWN admonishment, more than anyone else's.... believe me....)

No more dilly dallying.
Be present now.
Quit putting stuff off.


Get up, go out, and drink the nectar out of life.
It's YOUR life. Live it.

In Memory of a Departed Friend....

Sad news today: my blogger buddy Deron Arnold has passed away. You may have read about Deron here.

Deron was suffering with end stage Cystic Fibrosis and had a double lung transplant in July, but has remained hospitalized since then.

He was a loving husband, and father to twin 3 year old boys. He was a great guy, and his faith really inspired me.

Deron lost his long battle on Sunday and is no longer struggling.

Please keep his family in your prayers.

12 Years Ago....

Tomorrow is my darling daughter's 12th birthday. I can't believe the little baby I gave birth to 10 minutes ago is now going to be twelve.

How did this happen?

I'm still trying to figure it out.

My son will be 14 on his next birthday.

Hubster and I are quickly realizing that, in about 15 minutes or so, both kids will be grown and gone. Makes me quite melancholy to think about it....

(By the way, she made the "dress" the bear is wearing in this photo from toilet paper and scotch tape - pretty impressive, huh? Just call her Vera Wang for Teddy Bears....)

A Prescription for a Happy Life

"A Prescription for a Happy Life"

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight
and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them'.

2. Keep your cheerful friends. The grouches will pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts,

gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An older idle mind
is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is "Alzheimer's."

4. Enjoy the simple things, these are many.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only
person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. Be ALIVE while
you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family,
pets, friends, books, keepsakes, music, your garden, hobbies, or solitude, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take long term guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even
to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.

We all need to live life to its fullest each day!! Don't worry about what you cannot change, but pray and give thanks for so many good things in your life. Have an Attitude of Gratitude!

Peace

Marcy from Blessings Each Day has shared the Good Word that tomorrow (October 18th) is Pray-For-Peace day...

So, in that vein, I'd like to encourage everyone (be they Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, agnostic, garden-variety-pagan...or something heretofore unmentioned....) to PRAY.

Just PRAY. For peace.

Because I believe God hears our prayers.

So, let's all pray for this broken, sad, twisted world which we call home (at least temporarily), that God might incline men's (and women's) hearts towards PEACE... and that we might live in a more peacable state, one with another.

Would you pray with me?

Miscellaneous Musings

Hey y'all - it's ME! The one who has NO free time to blog anymore! I am home from work today, sick. Sick as in "feeling-flattened-by-a-truck" sick. But my doctor gave me a steroid shot (in the ARSE!) and I now feel better....

So, I thought I'd share some things that have been floating through my stream of consciousness lately. Don't you feel lucky? :)

1. Work is going well. Very busy. One of the guys in my office (who I work quite closely with) is Total Eye Candy (and yes, that was capitalized on purpose), so that helps to make the days go by. Not quite as cute as Alexander Skarsgard or Stephen Moyer of "True Blood", but pretty darn close. Bonus for me. :)


2. Barack Obama's Nobel Prize. Now, y'all know, I almost never swear, but I did have a "WTF" moment (in my internal monologue) when I heard on NPR that our President had won the Nobel. Here are my three prevailing thoughts: a) I have lost TREMENDOUS amounts of respect for the Nobel committee because this award was, at least in LARGE part, a political statement. b) Further, President Obama should have gracefully thanked the Nobel committee for the honor, but then REFUSED to accept the award because he didn't DESERVE it. (Personally, I think the award should have gone to the post-election political protesters in Iran.... just as an example); and c) I expect to win a Heisman trophy any day now. That's right, ME. Because after all... I have great INTENTIONS of ONE DAY becoming the best college football player in the SEC. Ridiculous? You bet. Point made.

Now that THAT is off my chest... :)

3. We have had a lot of flooding here in North Georgia. You may have heard about in or seen it on the news. 500 year floods. People died in these floods. Bad news. My house is up on a hill, so I have not floated away, and thankfully we didn't have any damage; although my office (and many Atlanta businesses) were closed for a day or two during the worst of it. I've never seen anything like it. Mother Nature's power is awe-inspiring.

I think that's it for now. Hubster and the kids are healthy. We got our H1N1 vaccines and I would ENCOURAGE you to do the same. This is not a virus you want to play roulette with, my friends. I've spent a substantial time in intensive care units with sick children and trust me, you don't want to be there.

Hope all my wonderful blogger-buds are doing well - miss you guys like CRAZY.... just don't have the free time I used to!

DPH "Take Yo Mama Out" (to dinner....)

This is a re-post from many months ago, but bears re-posting.
The 3 guys in this band are 3 of the guys from the band at my church.
I LOVE this song (and that's saying a lot, because I don't like rap.... in fact, one of my favorite sayings is "You can't spell CRAP without RAP.") .... sorry, all you rap fans out there....

But anyway... I love this song. I LOVE the talent these guys possess.... I LOVE how their music makes me SMILE! :)

And 90's Sunday would be.... Vanilla Ice? Pearl Jam? Nirvana? MC Hammer? (or all of the above??!)

(.....and of course a Serious Message followed about the Decade of Denial.... you can find the message online at www.12stone.com)

"Purple Rain" in Church?

If it's 80s Sunday, then YES.... "Purple Rain" is just ONE of the 80s songs the band did to set the "mood for the message".

Enjoy the video!

Led Zeppelin.... Meet Jesus.... really!

12Stone's Amazing Band outdid themselves with this tribute to 70s music last Sunday at church. Keep in mind this video does NOT do justice to our ground-shaking sound system, NOR to the fabulous talent we have in our band (especially to Rudy Vaughn, the AMAZING singer-songwriter-musician you see covering the Boston tune as well as covering "Rock and Roll", one of my FAVORITE Zeppelin tunes...)

Anyway, to say yours truly was rocking out in church was an understatement! The whole CHURCH was! And yes... the music montage tied in with the pastor's message about how the "feel-good-anything-goes-70s" ultimately led to empty spiritual lives. (Although I agree with that statement, I gotta say I still LOVE the music!)

"Fresh Air Barbecue" - WORLD's BEST - Really and Truly!

You can stop looking.

I have found it.

WORLD's Best BBQ.

OK, well, maybe not the best in the whole wide world.

But easily the best BBQ in the State of GA and quite possibly in the whole Southeast (after all, I've eaten BBQ in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, Missippi, Louisiana, and Texas... and no place even come CLOSE to Fresh Air.)

In fact, my mouth is watering just typing this blog entry.

So.... If you find yourself in Macon Georgia, or Jackson Georgia (but what the heck are you DOING in Jackson, Georgia.... I really must ask... that's where the state prison is, and not much else), you OWE it to youself to stop and get a sandwich. Or two. Or five.

Just thinking about this BBQ makes me want to cry tears of bliss.

It's that flippin good. :)

Enough said.

Hummingbirds

The hummingbirds have returned. Hubster and I love to sit on the back deck and watch them. Although they're tiny and delicate looking, they are absolutely FIERCE! Super-territorial with one another, and chase each other off like little fighter jets... it's really quite interesting to watch!

Life.

Found out today that the wife of one of Hubster's good friends is going to die very soon. She has cancer.... we all thought she would beat it, but she's not going to. Hospice has been called, and the end will come, sooner rather than later.

They live in St Louis..... we don't see them much, but we last saw them when they were in Atlanta over Christmas. Everything was fine then. No cancer. We had a happy evening out with several couples.... dinner, drinks, saw a band at a local club.

Life.
It's short.
It's fleeting.
It's precious.
Don't let little things get you down.... they're just little things. (Keep them in proper perspective.)

Tell the people you love that you love them.
Enjoy that sunset.
Look at that flower a bit longer.
HAVE that slice of pie.

Life. It only comes around once.

A Beautiful Snippet of Prose

So every day I was surrounded by the beautiful crying forth of the ideas of God,one of which was you."— Mary Oliver, Red Bird: Poems

A Dash of Happy Wife + A Cupful of Smiling Suz + A Liberal Sprinkling of Sassy Bev = A Perfect Lunch Date!

And INDEED it was!

I love my dear friend Suz... we've known each other since 9th grade and even though we only get to see each other in person every couple of years, it's almost like time hasn't passed.... we giggle just like we did back when we were 14!

This past week Suz was in town visiting her Wonderful Mom Bev (who hasn't changed a BIT and who I loved catching up with!) and we all met, kids included, for a fun, giggly lunch.

It was wonderful, and boy how I wish Atlanta and South Florida were only 30 minutes apart instead of ..... 13 hours apart!

Love and miss you, my sweet forever friend!
Which is why I know you'll forgive me for once again posting these embarrsing photos from us way back in high school! (And yes, you can do the same - turnabout is FAIR PLAY!!!) :)

Hug and kisses! :)

I Love My Country.... But My Government?.... Not So Much....

Now, I will say that in a country as wealthy as ours, and as advanced as ours, with as much medical technology as ours, there is really NO reason why SOOOO many people should be wandering around without health insurance.

And I will FURTHER say that the healthcare bill that is stuck in Congress right now smells.
Of fish.

WE, as a country, can do better. And we should. This is something we NEED to get right. This is NOT something we need to PUSH through. To me, this whole situation smacks of when you go into the car dealership and the sleazy sales guy with the fake smile pounces upon you because he knows you have that "new leather smell" in your nostrils and he thinks if he doesn't make the sale THAT VERY NIGHT that the world will end.

The world will not end.

Let's take a Collective Deep Breath. And sit down.
And make our congressmen and women sharpen their damn pencils and start again.

And take the TIME to get it right.

Just my opinion.

P.S. And by the way...... has it alarmed anyone ELSE that the "Cash for Clunkers" program, which ran out of cash in about 45 minutes, and which was supposed to have enough cash for a month.... is also run by the Federal Government.... who will be running this Healthcare deal....? (Anyone? Anyone?) .... just asking......

A tribute to my favorite artist....

I love Andrew Wyeth. Is it just me, or can you almost feel the breeze when you look at this painting? I love how delicate the edge of the curtains are...



This is my very favorite Wyeth painting. I think it's ethereal and I love the light and the shadows.

Brian's Back! (.... and BOY IS HE MAD!)

No, not really.... I just said that for effect. :)

Brian Jones is one of my FAVORITE authors. He wrote an amazing book about faith, honesty, doubt, vulnerability, and having a TRUE walk with God. It's called "Second Guessing God" if you want to check it out. I've talked about it on my blog before, and I simply can't recommend it highly enough. It really really spoke to me.

Anyway, Brian had a blog for awhile, then he didn't (he is also a pastor of a big church in addition to being a writer... plus he's a husband and father, so he's kinda-sorta really busy).

So, without further ado (and while sounding "virtual trumpets").... I give you, ladies and gentlemen, the link to the blog of a GREAT thinker, pastor, fellow-follower-of-that Cool Cat From Nazareth..... Brian Jones. :)

www.brianjones.com

Enjoy!

My Latest Crush

Yes, I know. For many of you who read my blog regularly, you're thinking "Who the heck hijacked Happy Wife's blog?"
Nope, it's me. I have a CRUSH on a vampire. ERIC the Vampire. From "True Blood".
If you get HBO, you HAVE to watch this show. It's "wicked good" (to use the vernacular of a younger crowd....)

If you don't get HBO, read Charlaine Harris' "Sookie Stackhouse Novels" - the show is based on these novels. The novels are the perfect "summer read".... each one is right around 280 pages or so.... fun little page-turners, nothing too heavy.

And as far as the ACTOR who plays Eric, his name is Alexander Skarsgaard and he's positively yummy. And smart, funny and charming. Here's an interview. Enjoy!

Bananas!

I eat a banana almost every single day for breakfast. I just like the way they taste, but really had no idea what a "miracle food" they were until today.

Imagine how delighted I was to receive the below info in my email today from a friend!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber.

A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. Th e vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke. Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school (England) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted ; blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the a ffected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chr onicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan. Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat , sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack. Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape! So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills.

When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Welcome, Laverne & Shirley!

No, not THAT Laverne & Shirley! The Laverne & Shirley I'm referring to are two ADORABLE Golden Retrievers who have a brand new and wonderfully loving home with KBL and her Belov-ED!

Boy, I tell you, those are two Lucky Dogs!

Welcome to the club, girls!!! :)

Thankful for the Air in Your Lungs?

You should be!

I just got a note from the sister of my blogger friend Deron - Deron has finally (finally!) received his double lung transplant!

Some of you may read Deron's blog - it's an excellent blog about living life with end stage CF, faith issues, being the father of twins (and, incidentally, being a physician).

Deron is a man of great faith and now, he has a brand new (healthy!) set of lungs!

Most of us take breathing completely for granted but when I read Deron's blog I'm reminded to stop, take a deep breath, and thank God for healthy lungs.

If you pray, please stop and pray for Deron. Even though he has these new lungs, the "road back" is a long one.

And remember to take a deep breath and be thankful for healthy lungs. :)

Another Reason Why I Love FaceBook

I re-connected with yet ANOTHER long lost friend (we'll call him "JT") this week on FaceBook. He was the boyfriend of my college roommate at NYU waaaaaaay back in 1986. (Yes, I'm THAT old.) :)

We used to hang out in Washington Square, listen to LOTS of Led Zeppelin, drink LOTS of beer, and have LOTS of fun. He was a film student at NYU (I was a Drama student, as was my roommate), and I thought he was Da Bomb (back before the term "da bomb" even existed...).

ANYWAY, he recently requested my "friendship" via FaceBook and it thrilled me to NO END! You see, I lost touch with JT 20+ years ago. Although I thought about him on occasion, I had no clue where he was living, what he was doing, or how to reach him....

But now, thanks to the magical land given to us by Mark Zuckerberg, I now have a wonderful updated snapshot of JT's life, and he has the same of mine.

It's lovely, and I'm thrilled.

Friendship is sweet, and re-kindled friendship sweeter still. :)

Family Fotos from a Fabulous Fourth!

So, as you know, now that I'm working 2 jobs, I have VERY little time to blog, BUT I do really miss my Blogger buddies. Hope you guys are all doing well and enjoying the Summer and the recession isn't affecting you too negatively. (AND, if it is, remember to focus on Blessings.... remember the glass is always half full, even if there are only a few drops in there... it's all how you look at it, right?!) :)

Anyway, here are a couple of recent family photos taken this weekend. We had to cancel our trip to the beach (Big Brown told Hubster he had to work on Friday the 3rd - THEN, when he got to work that morning, someone was already running his route. Can you say "irritated"?!) But, that's OK. We were able to attend a FAB neighborhood pool party/cookout/fireworks display that otherwise we would have missed. Once again, it's ALL in how you look at it, yes? Yes! :)

The Point Guard Analogy Ain't Working For Me, Sarah....

After all, what kind of point guard ditches her team in the middle of the 4th quarter and just walks off the court??

A LOUSY one, that's what kind!

Can you imagine if she had pulled this crap in the White House?

"Um, sorry.... but it's all just gotten too stressful..... and I have a better offer to do my own radio show.... I've been told I'll be the 'female Rush Limbaugh'!!"

No thanks.
If I were an Alaskan, my response would be: Good Riddance. And give me a governor who WANTS the job.

The Funniest Clip I've Seen in a LONG Time

No joke: I was laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face after watching this. I think the McDonald's "commercial" at the end is my favorite, but ALL the songs are funny!

(Tim Hawkins is hilarious - I've seen him live a couple of times and he's Da Bomb!)

Enjoy!

So How DOES the Devil Feel About The Church in America?

My pastor played this clip in church today. It's very funny, but there's a lot of truth behind the humor. I think, many times, people look at Christians and see only the bickering and the self-righteousness.... and not the Love that God is.

(The church who produced this video is Life Church, pastored by Craig Groeschel. Neat place.)

2 More Tributes (The Surreal Variety) to the King of Pop

1. Young Saudi Men Who (sorry to say it) Have an Utter Lack of Rhythm.


2. Phillipino prison inmates re-enact "Thriller" (pretty impressive!)

My (Sort Of) Tribute to Michael Jackson

I've never been a huge Michael Jackson fan. I bought "Thriller" on vinyl WAY back in 1982 (like everyone else), but when Jackson's personal life became a train wreck, I was just..... saddened and disgusted by the whole thing.

However, all that being said, he was a really really talented singer.

So, here's a link to one of his best songs, covered by Chris Cornell (I like Cornell's version much better).

I pray that Michael Jackson's children will be raised by people who will love them and will give them some semblance of a normal childhood.

"Lest We Forget"

Whitestone is the film company for 12Stone. This is their most recent film.
This video is less than 5 minutes, but very powerful, and will stay with you.

Lest We Forget from Brandon McCormick on Vimeo.

My Secret to Peace

Know What's Weird?

My new job pays FAR less than what I was used to making (about 20 - 25% less), plus it's a LONG drive from home, AND my "time freedom" during the week is all but GONE.... but I am so CONTENT now.

I truly, truly am.
And it's a beautiful thing.

I've decided to focus on GRATITUDE and it has really made just a HUGE difference for me.

Sure, there's stuff I still want, but when I start the day by thanking the Father for all the stuff I already have, and focusing on my blessings rather than my wants, it's amazing how that "re-centers" me, and what a BIG difference that makes.

It's HUGE in fact.

And it's a good GOOD thing.

I heartily recommend it.

Stephen Colbert's Humorous Tribute to the "Murdered" White House Fly

LOVE Stephen Colbert!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Murder in the White House - Fly Widow Interview
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Stephen Colbert in Iraq

"Thank You Wave", RIP

What ever happened to the "thank you wave"?
Do you remember it?
Has it gone the way of the dodo bird, Vanilla Ice music (good riddance), and RSVP'ing for parties?

Is it just not DONE anymore?

Y'all know what I'm talking about, right?
You let someone out into traffic.... they USED to give you the friendly little wave that signified "thanks!" or "Appreciate it!"

Now - NOTHING. At best, you get a blank stare.

Is it just me?
Is it just Atlanta Drivers?

SIGH.

I think the thank you wave is truly a thing of the past.... I just don't see it anymore. So sad.

The Foundation, The Cornerstone

.... I know I talk about my church a lot, and the cool music, the artwork, the fact we do our own short films, have an in-house recording studio, etc.
And it IS true - it's an amazing, accepting, LOVING, REAL community of believers where people THRIVE!

However, one thing I feel I must say... 12Stone is very much a biblically sound place. In fact, when we were preparing to open our doors in our new building a year and a half ago, Kevin (our pastor) felt it was critically important that the entire Bible be read aloud, from the stage, before the first service. So that was done. Non-stop. Out loud. Around the clock.

I forget how long it took, and how many people volunteered, but many, many people came in and volunteered in 2 hour stretches and read the word, from the 1st chapter of Genesis through the 22nd chapter of Revelation.

And it was a beautiful thing.

Freddy Mercury Would've Been Proud!

Only at 12Stone can you get sound scriptural teaching and a BLISTERING cover of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" by our kickin' band! (And let me tell you, this video does NOT do it justice! It was about 10 times better in person!) If I had had a lighter, I would have been holding it up and swaying, concert-style....

I LOVE my church!

Take This Important Quiz....

Take The Following Quiz========================
You don't need a pen, pencil or paper.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners.
How did you do?
(Not very well, huh??)

THE LESSON
NONE of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
There are no second-rate achievers on the above quiz. They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Now here's another quiz.
See how you do on this one:
1. List a couple of teachers who really made a difference to you in school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time in your life.
3. Name three people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name five heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Now, wasn't that quiz a whole lot easier?

The lesson?
The people who make a difference in your life aren't the ones with themost credentials, the most money, or the most awards.
They're the ones who care enough to spend personal time and effort foryou.

Take a minute to send this to a friend. Or do you have to go accept an award? :)

(The above is from the always inspirational and thought provoking www.mountainwings.com )

Is it Just Me....??!

.... or do you also want Jon and Kate to just GO AWAY!

Candidly, I don't care where they go - anywhere would be FINE....

I just REALLY don't want to hear about them anymore. (!!!)

I've NEVER watched the show, and I sure as heck don't want to see it NOW.

Does every single cough and sneeze (or sighting at the local Starbucks) have to be captured and broadcast on "Entertainment Tonight"???

Really?

I think it's almost reached Octo-Mom frenzy status.

Sigh.

(And I just really feel sorry for those poor kids.....)

A Fond Farewell to Jay Leno

I love Jay Leno.... I mean REALLY love him. I think he's a class act.
Hubster and I got married on 5/22/92 ..... which was, ironically, Johnny Carson's last night on the air as the host of the Tonight Show. So I've always known how long Jay Leno has been the host.... because it's been as long as my marriage.

Anyway, I've been sad that Jay is leaving the Tonight Show. (Nothing against Conan O'Brien, but I just don't think he's quite the same caliber as Jay is.)

Here's a clip from last night's show, and Jay's farewell. This almost made me cry.

Thank you Jay for 17 wonderful years! You will be GREATLY missed!

"Me-Me-Me" (....at long last, KBL!)

Normally I don't do these tag-things, BUT because KBL is the COOLEST chick around, I'll do it. (Plus I really like the questions.... they're not the normal "plain vanilla" questions.)

OK, here goes:

1. What are your current obsessions?
Embarrassing confession coming..... our finances are rather "bruised" from when my business was torpedoing to the bottom of the sea, so Obsession Numbero Uno is "righting the financial ship". But we're well on the way. A much more FUN obsession to discuss is transforming my home office (which I really don't need anymore, now that I'm back in corporate America), into a Teen Den/Hangout Room, etc. The kids are getting to the age where they need their own "space" to chill out. I'm working on finding (inexpensive yet fun) furnishings to make it a fun place for them...

2. Which items from your wardrobe do you wear most often?
a) My demin capris. I love them and they fit me perfectly. Plus they're perfect this time of year. I also have a top my next door neighbor brought me back from Bombay that I absolutely love. It's a gorgeous shade of green, very comfortable, and every time I wear it I get so many compliments. Unfortunately, a certain someone ATE my favorite sandals. (I won't give her full name but her first name is DIVA.) :(

3. Last thing you bought?
a) a pint of blueberries (my very favorite food)
b) a really pretty $12.99 dress from Ross (LOVE that store!)
c) a Lotto ticket last night (I spend a whopping $1 per week on the lottery).
d) some bones from Red Bandana for Diva and Ruby.

4. What are you listening to these days?
The White Stripes; The Doves; U2; The Raconteurs; Led Zeppelin; Peter Frampton; Coldplay; Chris Tomlinson; Duran Duran; and PlayChase Music (12Stone original tunes). Like KBL, I listen to a wide variety..... just depends on my mood.

5. Favorite kid's film
Ole Yeller (yes, I still cry EVERY time he dies!), Bambi, Wizard of Oz! The Lion King, Snow White (the original), Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty (all the Disney Classics).... but Ole Yeller and Wizard of Oz are my 2 faves!

6. Favorite Vacation Spots
Tybee Island, GA; Maui; Cayman Islands; New York City

7. What are you reading right now?
I'm not reading ANY FICTION, which is very bad. I have (literally) stacks of books under the windows in my bedroom. I love, love, LOVE to read, but my new job is leaving me tired.

8. Four words to describe you:
Wife, Mother, Friend, Christ-follower

9. Guilty pleasure?
Godiva dark chocolate truffles with raspberry puree.... better than sex (well, not REALLY... it is just a saying after all....)

10. Who or what can make you laugh until you are weak?
My husband, and now, more and more, my kids. I have a houseful of Very Funny People.
And John Pinnette. I love John Pinnette!

11. First Spring thing?
Here in Atlanta, we see the daffodils, tulips and hyacinths all bloom in late February or early March. Taht's when we know Spring is coming.

12. Planning to travel next? Just got back from Tybee Island for Memorial Day weekend. Possibly taking the kids to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville later this Summer.... no big trips on the horizon for now.

13. Best thing you ate and drank recently?
My husband's home made mac & cheese. He uses 6 different kinds of cheeses, then crumbles bacon on the top. Yes, it's a heart attack on a plate, but BOY it's good.

14. When did you last get tipsy? It's been a LONG time. Unfortunately, I suffer from migraines, and alcohol is a trigger. So, I'm always the "DD" when we go out with our friends.... which is fine.

15. Favorite ever film? Too many to say just one, but here are some: It's a Wonderful Life, Bella, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind.

16. Care to share some wisdom?
I love what KBL put, so I'm going to leave that in here.... in the immortal words of Mahatma Gahndi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." (I really love this!)
Last, in the (paraphrased) words of Jesus: Love God. Love people. (If you can do these 2 things, you will have lived a very good life! Jesus said that the whole law boiled down to those two simple principles!)
Last, relax. Enjoy the ride. Life is not a dress rehearsal!

17. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Being a petite curvy brunette my whole life, I've always wondered what it would be like to be a tall leggy blonde. Just for a week or so. Other than that, I really like being me. :)

As far as who I tag, I tag anyone and everyone who wants to play! (And let me know if you did it.... I want to read your answers!)

17 Years

Hubster and I celebrated 17 years of Wedded Bliss on Friday, May 22nd (and we celebrated by taking the whole family to the beach for a nice long, extended weekend... in fact we just got home).

Very nice and relaxing.

I really can't believe we've been married 17 years.

Time really flies, doesn't it?

Amazing that I was only THREE years old when I married him. :)

Speaking of Amazing Girls.....!!

MY amazing 5th grader graduated from elementary school tonight!

Here is a pic of her, and all her BFF's.... aren't they all just beautiful girls? And not only that, they are all great girls.... all are straight A, or A/B students, and nice girls. I am so proud of ALL of them, but especially proud of MY beautiful daughter (who is the one in the black, by the way).

I got a little choked up tonight (which doesn't happen often).... but I was realizing, as she walked across the stage to get her elementary "certificate", that my baby truly isn't a baby anymore and is quickly becoming a young woman.

Time goes by WAY too quickly!

Cherish those babies, my mommy friends!

"She Runs Like a Girl!"

Lucky #13 - Rachel Alexandra - BEAT ALL THE BOYS today!

First girl to win the Preakness in 85 years!

(And yes, my Cajun boyfriend, Calvin Borel, was the jockey today.... I LOVE that guy!)

Dog Protects & Saves His Mom! ("Film at 11")

Many of you have probably seen this video.... it almost made me cry.
What a GOOD BOY this dog was (sorry, couldn't resist.... but it's so accurate!)
Yet another reason to love dogs!

The Craziness We Have Planned For Sunday!

Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile know that my church, 12Stone, likes to "think outside the box". To say we're a non-traditional church is putting it mildly.

Our church has an onsite Starbucks (yes, a real one), an onsite recording studio (yes, a real one); we produce our own short films; our own original music, etc.

We also are a very artist-centered environment, and have a full time Creative Arts Pastor and staff.

Anyway, our church has grown quite a bit in the past few years because people love the casual, relevant, meaningful messages. So much so that we have 2 campuses now and each campus has 3 services. We've grown to the point that we're getting ready to launch a 3rd campus.

So, to celebrate this HUGE milestone, we're all getting together for one BIG service on Sunday morning. Now, where in the world can we ALL get together at the SAME time, you ask?

Why, the brand new Gwinnett Braves stadium, of course! (The "G-Braves" as they are called, are the minor league team for the Atlanta Braves.) This stadium seats 7,100 and should accommodate all of us.... lotsa fun will definitely be had!

I'm really excited.... I think this will be the first time I'll ever get a sunburn while attending church. :)

Happy Friday!

Hope everyone has a beautiful, wonderful weekend!

Something very lush and fragrant is blooming in the woods behind my house.... whatever it is smells FABULOUS!

Spring is just a wonderland for the senses, isn't it?

(And yes, a negative wonderland for those who suffer from allergies..... I'm among you as well! Thank goodness for allergy meds!)

PS: Don't forget to watch The Preakness tomorrow! "Rachel Alexandra" (the filly with the "mostest"!) is going to SPANK the boys! :)

What Do These Two People Have In Common??

Very little, except the RIGHT TO THEIR OPINION!

Both are taking a lot of crap right now for things they have recently said publicly.

Is it just me, or has freedom of speech been sacrified in favor of "political correctness"??

Drives me NUTS.

I am a BIG BELIEVER in free speech.

Even if I disagree (strongly) with what a person is saying, that person has EVERY right to voice their opinion.

That's part of the fabric of our amazing country!

And if we try to squash that, we're in BIG trouble as a society.

Long Live Radio!

Here some of my favorite "listening links"

97.1 The River - Classic Rock (Led Zeppelin, Heart, The Stones, Peter Frampton, Boston, etc.) - the GOOD stuff you remember from the late 70's and early 80's. Plus they don't have annoying DJ's or too many commercials. I love this station!

Clark Howard - Atlanta's GEM! Clark is a consumer guru who gives on air consumer and financial advice Monday - Friday from 1 - 4 on WSB radio... Clark also now has a national TV show on CNN/HLN. Additionally, you can always find out about him via his website. Everyone in Atlanta LOVES Clark!

Dave Ramsey - yes, anyone who knows me knows I LOVE me some Dave Ramsey. Here in Atlanta, he's on WGST every afternoon from 3 - 6 PM. (Also, here's the link to his site.)

Happy Listening!
Long live good radio!!

Happy M.D. Weekend, Everyone!

Happy Mommy's Day Weekend!

To all the Mommies out there:

Whether you have human children, canine children, feline children, or you just spread the love in your own special way....

...may you have a wonderful, peace-and-JOY-filled day on Sunday!

May God's love shine down upon you (because, truly, although God is our Father, he loves us deeply, with a Mother's heart....)

I'll be spending the day with my 2 precious kids (who I'm so thankful for), my sweet, studly Hubster (again, so thankful for), my wonderful Mommy, and my in-laws.

I love Mother's Day!!

It's right up there with Thanksgiving on my "favorite days" list!

a "light and fluffy" post to make up for yesterday

Diva's 1st birthday is on Saturday. She will be ONE Year Old! We're hoping the doggie destruction will abruptly END! (But we're not holding our breath... we've had Labs before and we realize that it gradually tapers off, then ends around age 2.)

Anyway, above is a picture of Diva and her littermates on the day we picked her out (she was 4 weeks old). Diva was the Chocolate Lab on the far right.

Isn't she CUTE?!

(And NOT fishy-smelling!) :)

A Smelly Situation

(WARNING: This post is NOT for the squeamish! (Ok, you've been warned!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK, KBL, you said you wanted to know the "scoop" on my new co-workers.

By and large, we Insurance Nerds are a pretty boring bunch. It's rare that you find a smokin' hot actuary, or a devastatingly attractive underwriter, however, I'll do my best to find something interesting to keep you guys amused about my new work surroundings.

The people at my new office are all very nice. It's an uber-professional office (as most insurance brokerages are); we have very nice, comfortable offices in a lovely building in the Buckhead area of Atlanta.

However, there is ONE thing that I'm having to deal with that is rather, well, unpleasant.

The person who is training me is very knowledgeable, kind, patient, and all around nice.

BUT..... she doesn't wash thoroughly.
I have been blessed (CURSED in this case) with a very sensitive nose, and some days it's VERY obvious that she has been "less than thorough" with her personal hygiene.

I don't think I need to be any more specific than that, do I ladies?

It's really awkward. Of course, there's NO WAY I can say anything.... if this were my best friend, sure, I'd sit her down and say "Girl. You've GOT to keep it clean."

But I guess I'm just going to have to deal with it.
(I just don't know how someone can not KNOW..... you know????)

ICK!!!

Anyone Else LOVE a GREAT Underdog Story?

The story behind the Kentucky Derby winner - "Mine That Bird" - is an amazing, and really inspirational underdog story!
Below is not just a clip of the race, but also a very sweet (albeit brief) interview with Calvin Borel, the jockey. And, additionally, an AMAZING aerial view of how Mine That Bird came from last to FIRST!

Here's some interesting trivia:

• Mine That Bird cost $9,500 (some of these Kentucky Derby thoroughbreds cost hundreds of thousands of dollars!).
• Mine That Bird was taken to the derby not in a fancy caravan, but in a plain horse trailer, pulled by a pick up truck.
• Calvin Borel, the jockey, is the son of a Louisiana sugar cane farmer, and only has an 8th grade education (and has been racing horses since he was EIGHT years old!!)
  
  It's really a fascinating story! Enjoy the video... and LONG LIVE THE UNDERDOG!
  
  

"17 Again" and "Wolverine" - 2 Movie Reviews

Apparently, our kids are ruling the "what-movie-shall-we-see-this-weekend" question.

Here are the reviews of the two latest offerings we have seen:

17 Again

VERY pleasantly surprised. Let me begin by saying I am hardly a Zac Effron fan, however, this young man is not just a handsome face. He was VERY funny and VERY charming in this movie. Unlike the "High School Musical" series, this movie is not just a star vehicle for him. It truly does have a very cute little plot, is well acted, charming, and extremely funny. There's plenty of grown up humor to keep mom and dad laughing. Leslie Mann (who I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE!) is in the movie and is her usual brilliant self. (For those not familiar with the name, she played Katherine Heigl's sister in "Knocked Up" and was also in the "40 Year Old Virgin".) She's beautiful and has GREAT comic timing. Others in the movie are Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon as Ned (the best friend) who is really quite hilarious.

2 BIG Thumbs Up from me... (I would even see this a 2nd time)!

X Men Origins: Wolverine

My 13 year old son has had May 1st circled on his calendar for MONTHS..... not only was "Wolverine" the movie coming out, but so was "Wolverine" the video game.

So, all 4 of us went to see the movie. As many of you know, I LOVE Hugh Jackman (just ask D'Arcy and Pumpkin!.....), but I just REALLY can't stomach 2 hours of explosions, mutant super powers, Ryan Reynolds as a sword wielding super-fighter (I will forever picture him as a smarmy waiter in "Waiting"), and Riggins from "Friday Night Lights" as Remy LeBeau (although I must say both Hugh and "Remy LeBeau" did look quite yummy).

Bottom line: I'm not an action film girl. At a certain point my brain just clicks off.

BUT: my son and my husband thought this movie was Da Bomb! (And everyone else I've talked with who is into action movies agreed.... so..... )

2 Thumbs Up (IF you're an action movie person....)

2 Thumbs DOWN (if you're into romantic comedies, like me....)

Indescribable!

LOVE this song!
What an amazing planet we live on!

Diva's FUROR Over My Return to Work

Diva is, apparently, LIVID that I have abandoned her during the day.

And, if I try to look at it through her little (beautiful brown eyes), I can kind of see why.

I've always been at her beck and call, ever since she was born.

And now, I am GONE all day long, without an adequate replacement.

Anyway, she's taken her anger out on objects with the "ew" sound in them.

Here is a list of things she has managed to destroy in the first week I've been gone:

1. A bottle of Elmer's glue (partially ingested the plastic cap; ingested ALL the glue, and managed to get some of the glue on her ear and on her tummy. There's a lovely "glue spot" on the carpeting. Good thing our carpeting is already trashed.)

2. Glue sticks. (for a craft project). Chewed beyond use.

3. Electric glue gun (cord severed from gun). Now worthless.

4. Hula Hoop (chewed to the point where it is no longer round... and, thus, no longer useable. it is now a backyard chew toy.)

5. SHOES (yes, this was bound to happen. She selected my FAVORITE pair of casual shoes. Black suede mules. REALLY cute. She totally ATTACKED one of them. The other one remained untouched.

Good thing I love that dog so much. :-)

My First Week Back in Corporate America (After a 2 Year Absence....)

First of all, can I just say how frikkin TIRED I am???!!!!

OH-MY-GOSH..... I arrive home after battling the Atlanta traffic and fall asleep on the couch for 30 minutes before I can DEAL with my REAL job (Mom, Wife and Domestic Goddess).

But, really, I am SOOO thankful to be employed.... SOOO thankful!

And corporate America has remained unchanged (yes, you can smile, or smirk, or snicker....) There are still cubicles, still crazy HR rules, still office politics, etc.

But really, all in all, the first week went well. I will undoubtedly miss the Time Freedom I had when I had my own little business, and of course, being at home.

And, of COURSE, I am missing YOU, my blogger buddies! Missing my daily dose of all your bloggi-dociousness!

I'll try to get caught up on your blogs on the weekend, but right now, I'm going to have a glass of wine and snuggle with Hubster!

New Guest Craftsman on "This Old House"...

Believe it or not, I changed out a DOORBELL this morning. Including the wiring.
Yes, that would be.... ME. With NO HELP.

Miss Do-It-Herself (NOT).

Said doorbell was broken.... I realized Hubster was moving about as quickly as a 3 toed SLOTH to get it replaced, so I went to Home Depot and said "how tough is this" and lo-and-behold, it WASN'T.

I feel so.... accomplished. :-)

Someone call CNN.

Warning to my Blogger Buddies!

If you guys use check cards (debit cards), PLEASE make sure you check your account online every few days.

This weekend I found out someone had gotten ahold of my number and somehow (who knows how) made a new card... and began a shopping spree! Keep in mind my card NEVER LEFT MY POSSESSION!!!!

My bank has been very helpful and is (supposedly) crediting the money back to my account within 48 hours, still it's a huge hassle.

Since check cards tap directly into your checking account, the money evaporates RIGHT AWAY. Major pain.

I have, of course, no clue who could have done this. Up until yesterday, I used my check card for everything (except online purchases).

Not anymore, though!

Tomorrow is The Day!

At long last, I (FINALLY!) start the new job tomorrow!
Hooray!

Yes, there was a long wait between the job offer and the start date.... lots of formal hoops to jump through (and background checks to clear) but I will finally begin working again tomorrow, officially!

I'm relieved, and believe it or not, slightly nervous!
It has been 2 years since I've worked in a traditional office.... so it will be a little bit of a re-adjustment for me.

I'm sure it will be like riding a bike .... a bit wobbly at first, and then it will come right back to me.

I'm really just SO HAPPY and SO RELIEVED to have an income again! (I'm sure my creditors will be thrilled too..... ha!)

Does God Provide?

We're watching these short films - one per week - at church. They are amazingly well done. I wanted to share the trailer with anyone who is interested. I'm sure, eventually, the films will all be free to view online at Crown's website.


God Provides Film Series Trailer from Crown Financial Ministries on Vimeo.

A Real Life Miracle

Y'all know I love miracles.
I have seen a miracle occur in MY life (my son, who was born 16 weeks early and is now a strapping soon-to-be 13 year old!).

I love, love LOVE true, inspirational, real-life miracle stories, and love to SHARE them with you, my loyal blogger buddies.

So, it's with great delight that I introduce you to Shaun, a 29 year old who lives here in Atlanta, who, with his wife, just planted Courageous Church, a church in downtown Atlanta a couple of months ago, and is himself a living, breathing MIRACLE.

Here's the story. Enjoy!

(For more on Shaun, check out his blog, or the link to his church.)

TEA Party, anyone?

Did you guys see coverage on (or, better yet, attend) any of the TEA parties going on yesterday? There was a very large one in Atlanta, down at the State Capitol building. Estimates were 15,000 - 20,000 people were in attendance at the Atlanta TEA party alone!

Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents were all present. Anyone who is concerned about our BROKEN tax system in this country....

Hubster and I were unable to go, but we did watch coverage of it on Fox News (the big 3 networks only gave it a cursory mention). Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a "taxpayer revolution" which will get our irretrievably broken tax system THROWN OUT and a new more FAIR TAX system put into place.

"A Satisfied Taxpayer"

Below is courtesy of MountainWings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Internal Revenue Service:
On this April 15th tax return due date you will find enclosed my 2008 tax return showing that I owe $3,407.00 in taxes.
Please note the attached article from the USA Today newspaper,dated November 12th, wherein you will see the Pentagon (Departmentof Defense) is paying $171.50 per hammer and NASA has paid $600.00 per toilet seat.

Therefore, I am enclosing four (4) toilet seats (valued @ $2,400) and six (6) hammers (valued @ $1,029), which I secured at Home Depot, bringing my total remittance to $3,429.00.
Please apply the overpayment of $22.00 to the "Presidential Election Fund," as noted on my return.
You can do this inexpensively by sending them one (1) 1.5 inch Phillips Head screw (see aforementioned article from USA Today newspaper detailing how H.U.D. pays $22.00 each for 1.5 inch Phillips Head Screws). One screw is enclosed for your convenience.

To recap my enclosures: Four toilet seats, Six hammers, and One screw.
It has been a pleasure to pay my tax bill this year, and I look forward to paying it again next year.

Sincerely,
A Satisfied Taxpayer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~