I am a Trekker, there I said it, and I know you are all shocked, what, she’s a nerd? Ha! Live long and prosper, and yes, I stopped typing to do the Vulcan sign. I have been a Trekker since I was 4 years old, Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock captured my imagination, and Lieutenant Uhura let me know I could be anything, even on the bridge of a Starship all the while wearing a great outfit and boots. Reach for the moon, land among the stars, they traveled the universe meeting new races, some didn’t have human form. They taught us to respect life, all life, not just the ones we are comfortable with.
When it was announced that J.J. Abrams was going to direct a reboot, not the same storyline, but a completely different look at the whole thing, well I was apprehensive at best. I love J.J. Abrams, every television show he has done I have watched. But this was my beloved Star Trek, what was he going to do with the characters I have loved almost my entire life.
What he did was nothing short of amazing, he respected the fans, he gave us a plausible cause for an entirely different timeline and he gave us a fond look at our own beloved Spock before making us fall in love with the new one. To say I am once again hooked is an understatement, I look forward to the new one, and I will go back and watch the first one in his reboot to get ready for this one. Captain Kirk was a renegade, a cowboy; he has kept the same rebel spirit in this Kirk, so happy to see he is not towing the Federation line.
There you have it, all of my nerd glory, I wear it like a badge of honor, I am proud of my Science Fiction roots, I am happy I was left to my own devices to discover my own loves, my own passions. Art, literature, history, television and science fiction, what a combination.
Good News
I hate weighing myself; however it is a necessary evil when engaging in a weight loss program. Since starting back with Weight Watchers I have lost a total of 12 pounds. Not easy my friends, I am tempted all of the time with sweets, that is my real downfall. I can control everything else, but the sweets, man oh man, is that hard.
I have also given up Diet Coke, all soda really, so this time around I have made even more changes, not an easy thing. I do love Diet Coke; however I have decided all of those chemicals are not good for me. If I can clean my car battery with it I don’t think I should be putting it into my body. So there you have it folks, I am doing my best to clean up my food act. I have definite addictions that I am doing my best to address, I figure if I can get a handle on the food thing then the rest should be easier to deal with.
This evening will be particularly difficult as I will be making cookies for Elizabeth Anne; she has a craving for the no bake oatmeal cookies. She is insistent that her mother make them for her, so make them I will. I know what you are thinking, why can’t she do this herself, after all she is 24, well let me tell you, I will continue to make her cookies as long as I am able to. As a mother I consider it my solemn duty to do the things for my children that I can. And this is a simple thing that she takes so much joy in, as do I, the funny thing is, before she picks up the cookies she is going to the dentist. Perhaps I should call them and tell them of her sugar addiction, now that would be funny.
She is skinny she can afford a sugar addiction, I have never been skinny, I could never afford a sugar addiction, even though I have one.
I will never give up my television addiction, even if some shows irritate me, I love television and movies. Speaking of movies, this coming weekend kicks off a long summer of greatness, Ironman 3 is coming out, and I am so excited! I love superhero movies and I love Robert Downey Jr and I love Tony Stark. The trifecta of movie watching! Tonight is Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Defiance, Revolution and Castle; it takes two days to watch one evening of television for me.
Television
Ok, so, yesterday was spent recording Conversations, can’t wait for the shows to air, had a great time as usual with Shanon J. The topics are timely and the conversation is fantastic, can’t wait for you all to hear them!
I have exciting news that once again I cannot share yet, so excited though!! You will all just have to wait this one out. I hope to be able to announce it soon.
It is coming up on season finale time for all of my television shows, this is my second favorite time of year, I love to see where the shows are going and what I have to look forward to in the new television season. I love television, scripted television, I cannot stress that enough, I might have a shameful secret in the fact that I watch the Real Housewives of New Jersey, however if it comes to that or a scripted show, I will forego the reality for the scripted.
Yesterday I had lunch with Alex, very enjoyable at the Genghis Grill; love the food and the company. We have the most interesting conversations about history, politics and even math. I have to brag, I have the most intelligent children, they are all articulate, thought provoking and well informed. I don’t know how these particular children were given to me, I am just glad God gave me the ones he did.
Never Changing Obsessions
Things I am obsessed with all of the time:
Weather, I am obsessed with weather, all kinds of weather, except for the dry hot summer weather. I like storms, clouds, cold fronts and above all snow. I like tornado season as well, and yes I know I will get some flack for that, I know it causes damage, but to see this thing, this force, that man cannot control, that does what it wants. It is an amazing thing to witness, and yes I have been through plenty of storms and tornado seasons. I grew up in tornado alley perhaps that is why I find them so fascinating.
Aliens, space aliens that is, I am completely fascinated with the thought that we are not alone; I do not believe that we are God’s only creation. I fully believe that there is other life out there; I also think that there is intelligent life out there. I am fascinated with the thought that they could come find us, visit us, and hopefully not see us as food. Since I was very young I have been obsessed with anything that has to do with something more out there. It started with Star Trek and has continued to this day with, really all programs, movies, documentaries, books, anything at all. We are not alone and one day we will see the proof.
Coffee, I am obsessed with coffee, which also started at a young age, my grandma used to give me coffee milk, it started then, I was hooked. I love coffee, the smell, the taste, the way it envelopes me and comforts me. I will never give it up, I will never switch to decaffeinated either, that is worthless, for me at least. I need the caffeine, I revel in it, it gives me comfort, I am convinced when I die and they do an autopsy they will find caffeine flowing in my veins.
Television, I am obsessed with television, I always have been, I always will be, I love it. Not reality shows, but scripted, well written, well acted television. Campy television is good as well; escapism at its best, television is one of the best inventions ever. In my opinion it is up there with the printing press, yes it is that important in my life.
The written word, I am obsessed with books, real books, written on paper, not electronic ones, those are nice as well, I have an tablet and have downloaded books, however there is no replacement for holding a book, turning the pages, it is an experience that should never be lost. With the world turning more to electronic devices I hope books do not go the way of newspapers, they are a dying form. I love the smell of the paper, the ink, everything. I love book stores, especially used book stores. There is something about them that just makes me happy.
Superheroes, I have always been obsessed with them, from the Greek mythologies to comic books, there is something about them that appeals to me. Especially the flawed ones, no one does a flawed superhero better than Stan Lee. His are exceptional, the Marvel universe is simply awe inspiring, I love them. Superman is my number one hero of all time though, I mean seriously, he is an alien who can fly and he wants to save the world. That appeals to me on many levels.
These are just a few things that never change about me, my obsessions, I many, and some change, but these do not.
Tragedies
It has been a strange, sad week, filled with horrific happenings, one by accident and one on purpose. I never want to see another news report in my life.
The thing I would like to focus on is the humanity I saw this week, first we all came together for Boston, then we stayed together for West, a small Texas town.
Seeing the state of Texas come together to make sure one of its own is taken care of has been a balm on my soul. Boston’s loss is great, West’s loss is horrific, it is a small town in Texas with a population of roughly 2800 people, when something like an explosion happens and there is loss of life, the exact number unknown, the whole town feels it. Everyone knows everyone in a small town, I know, I come from one, if something like this had happened in Owasso I cannot begin to imagine the devastation.
I know one thing for certain, West will rebuild, they will feel the outpouring of love that the country will pour upon them, and they will be strong. They have to be, they have to live up to the Texas legend, everything is bigger and better in Texas and that includes hearts.
This town has heart, you ask me how I know, I know because my friend Alanna lives there, and she has one of the biggest hearts I know of in a person. She is strong, funny, smart and beautiful, inside and out, her husband is the Superintendent of the schools there, she will be by his side helping keep spirits up. She has a rare talent for that, I know without a doubt she will be huge help to the community she and her family have become a part of.
There are times I am incredibly proud to be an Oklahoman (ok, all the time) however, there are times I am so proud I chose a state like Texas to relocate to. If I can’t live in Oklahoma, I am happy to be in Texas, the people have heart, like Oklahomans. They have strength, like Oklahomans, they have a way of bouncing back after tragedy, like Oklahomans.
As I sit and ponder the 18th anniversary of the bombing in Oklahoma City, the bombing in Boston and the explosion in West, I am reminded that we are all Americans. That we all band together when something happens that we don’t understand, when it hurts one of us, it hurts all of us.
We mourn together, we heal together and we rebuild together. Southern, South Western, Northern, Mid West, we all are simply Americans.
Amazing Sons
I am ready to write about my weekend happenings, it all started Friday afternoon, with my new schedule I work on Fridays. I am not ready to give up picking up Tessa at school every other Friday so I am taking off part of the day to spend with her. So off I go, when I get to the school, she comes out and my car will not start, I have had some issues with it, but nothing like this until now. I called Alex and he dropped everything to come to mine and Tessa’s rescue. He was able to tow my car back to Jeffrey’s house.
Tess and I had a lovely afternoon as we were able to walk to the park and have a picnic snack and she was able to play with the other children at the park.
As soon as Jeffrey got home he and Alex worked on my car, went and bought the part they believe is causing all of the mischief and fixed it.
This was after Jeffrey had already put in a full days work, he could have easily said I’ll take you home mom and look at it tomorrow. But my sons don’t do things like that, they help immediately. I do believe I have the best sons on the face of the planet.
The next day Jeffrey called and he was sick and asked if I could come and take care of Tessa, 3 guesses as to how long it took me to say yes, hang up the phone get dressed and go over there.
Tess and I played all day and I took care of both her and my son, it’s good to feel wanted.
Sunday was spent with the Irishman, we went to see a movie and grocery shop, boring to some, fun for us.
Tomorrow is another Monday for me, I shall persevere, as I only work two days, then off two, this is not a bad schedule whatsoever.
Heavy but Hopeful Heart
I sit here gathering my thoughts on the events of Monday, April 15, 2013, not because it was Tax day but because of what happened in Boston, Massachusetts. I feel the need to spell the state not abbreviate, because what happened there deserves the full weight of the name. To bomb an event such as the Boston Marathon, where not only are Americans participating, but people from all over the world come and join in the festivities. They run side by side, friendly competition, from what I have seen and read, the runners encourage one another when they are having difficulty finishing. It is an incredible event that is given world-wide attention, which could explain why someone felt the need to plant explosive devices and set them off. To get attention, media attention, they see how these murderers and rapists and really horrendous criminals are getting the attention. So, what do they do, choose a highly publicized event and make their mark.
My fervent hope is that the media outlets pay attention, that they do not give these people, or person, the attention they crave. I hope they focus on the people who were the victims, focus on how people rushed to help the wounded, how Americans and the world sent messages of hope and prayer to the city of Boston.
If we do not give attention to the monsters hopefully that will keep them at bay, I do hope that they find whoever did this and prosecute to the full extent of the law.
For now, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston, with the participants of the Boston Marathon no matter where they were from and with the families of the victims. I remain steadfast in my love of my country, the United States of America, we have our issues, but we are working on them. Side by side, one issue at a time, we face things head on and resolve any conflict.
I love this land, I love this country and I pray for our leaders, no matter the political party, on a daily basis. We should all be doing that, think of what we could do if we all lifted our leaders up in prayer and asked God to bestow wisdom upon them. What an awesome thought.
How to be a Ruth
I have not written in a while because it hurts to type, I don’t know what happened to it, however it is getting worse and typing hurts now. However, I shall persevere, here I sit with a lot on my mind and hopefully can get it all out before the pain is too much.
The show that ran last night on Conversations with Shanon J and Angie B was all about how to be Ruth while waiting on your Boaz. For those of you not familiar with the Bible, check it out, the book of Ruth is an amazing guide for women. Not only does it tell of Ruth’s devotion to Naomi, it tells of Naomi’s dedication to Ruth, how she wanted her taken care of as well. It tells how women should behave toward their husbands mothers, it tells of how mothers of sons should behave toward the women their sons choose to marry. It is a beautiful love story between these two women and their desire to take care of each other. It tells of dedication, loyalty and selflessness, it is a map on how to behave as a woman.
I think sometimes we forget that, we forget how to behave with each other, women should be taking care of each other instead of trying to making themselves available to men who do not belong to them, they should be reaching out and lifting up. One reason I love my Mary Kay business so much is the women, we all want to help each other to succeed, we want to lift each other up. I have often said you can go to any Mary Kay event, see thousands of women at a time, not one cross word, not one curse word, not one catty word, nothing but kindness and camaraderie, it speaks to me, it appeals to me and it soothes my soul. After being in the world and seeing how women behave towards each other, it is my refuge. I urge every woman out there to read the book of Ruth. Read it with eyes searching on how to treat other women, not with eyes that want a man. Learn how to treat other women the way we are supposed to and God will bring you the man He wants for you. Avoid all of the drama, avoid the consequences for the actions you don’t take. If you never try to steal something that does not belong to you, then you will not reap the consequences.
If you did not get to listen last night I will post when the show goes up, I am really proud of the show and the Conversations we are having.
My fervent hope is that God continue to use us to say things that women are uniquely qualified to talk about.
Wonderful Weather Day!
I haven’t been here in a while, I have missed putting down whatever is in my head, however I have been a little overwhelmed with changes at work. We are in training to take on new responsibilities, I can see the good in it, and I can see the possibilities of what the department is trying to achieve in this new endeavor. The training is typical for the company I work for, bright spot is one of the trainers actually takes the responsibility seriously and wants to get all of the information he can to us so we can succeed. Best trainer I have had in a long time, I hope he continues with this responsibility.
Spring is here and I couldn’t be happier as it is 40 degrees and rainy, this is my kind of spring! Now if it would snow I would be incredibly happy. To top things off today is my day off and Stargate SG-1 movie is on SyFy, I do believe my life is complete.
This Saturday we will be airing a show on Conversations with Shanon J and Angie B dealing with how to be a Ruth while waiting for your Boaz. It is a subject near and dear to my heart as I believe that women on the whole have forgotten that we need to behave a certain way in order to attract the kind of mate we want in life. Where has loyalty gone? Where has modesty gone? I am not saying that women should dress in nun’s habits or prairie women, just cover up a little more.
I hope you all will listen and give us feedback on our website http://www.convosate.com, we would love to hear from you. You can also find our link there to buy shirts telling everyone you listen to us!
I sit here with the door open enjoying the coolness of the morning, having my coffee and watching one of my favorite franchises, it is a good morning indeed.
My thoughts are with my friend that lost her mother last week, she was 101 and lived a good life, a life worth celebrating, however, no matter what your age losing your mother is still hard and I will be praying for her and the family.
I hope everyone has a great day, I consider it a personal achievement I made no trainer cry this week as I have been known to do. I am trying to practice the art of restraint, that is important, to become more patient and realize that everyone has a purpose and everyone is here to teach us a lesson in life. I suppose the trainer that is incompetent is here to teach me tolerance and patience. Lesson learned God, you can now slow down on that particular chapter in my life.
The one thing I am impatient with in life is stupidity, I can handle ignorance as I believe that is curable, stupidity is not, therefore I have little tolerance for it in general. My mother was a great example on how to behave in any situation and I am afraid that when I do l meet up with her some of my behavior will cause her to be disappointed with me. Therefore I am striving to be a better person, someone who is patient, kind and gentle, I fear I will never be there as I am not a gentle being. I tell it like it is, whether one wants to hear it or not, I am more like my father, who would say whatever was in his head. One never has to guess what I am feeling or thinking as it will spew out of my mouth like verbal vomit, or be written on my face for the world to see. I will never be able to be a spy as I am not good with subterfuge, this makes me sad as I always wanted to be CIA.
I hope everyone finds what they are meant to do in life, I am still searching, I don’t know when I will find it, well, hmmm honestly I do love being on the radio. I do feel like at this time and place in my life it is what I am supposed to be doing. I hope God uses both me and Shanon to help others with their issues and to know that we all have them, we all sin and come short of the Glory of God, however through Jesus we are all saved. I hope we do it with humor, acceptance and above all love. I hope you all have a great day and are on your journey to discovering your hidden talents and allowing God to bring them out to show the world.
Friday Musings
So today on the Kidd Kraddick Show, Kellie Raspberry said how long can one continue to use the excuse “I’m still carrying the baby weight”. Well, my “baby” is 21 years old and I am still using that excuse for my lack of, well, weight loss.
So far it has been an uneventful week. I spent Tuesday evening with Elizabeth Anne, shopping for shoes for her, she said the one thing I thought I would never hear from her, “those heels aren’t high enough”. Music to my ears. Wednesday was spent organizing my Mary Kay inventory and cleaning the office area and organizing the bedroom. I plan on tackling the dinning, living and kitchen areas this weekend. Spring cleaning in full force and it makes me not happy as I hate it. I really want a maid, the minute I feel I make enough money for one, she is there! Or he, I will not discriminate; men can clean just like women. Oh a man maid, I think I like it.
I do believe this world is becoming increasingly vulgar, I hear it more and more in casual conversation, in stores, in the park, everywhere. Surprisingly, to me, the biggest offenders are women, I don’t know why that surprises me, but it does. I remember when I was about 15, I was watching television with my mom and they said the H word. I say it like that because that is what I remember thinking, oh, wow I can’t believe the said the H word in front of my mom. I was so embarrassed; I just sat there thinking maybe she didn’t notice. She did, and I will never forget what she said. She sighed and shook her head and said you know it is a real shame. I said what is? She said with all the words available in the world, the one they chose to use was a vulgar one. It’s so sad that they have such a limited vocabulary. Well that struck a chord with me, even at that age I took such pride in my vocabulary. I had read the dictionary, I scored exceptionally well on tests and played word games. I decided right then and there that before relying on vulgar words I would exhaust my knowledge of other descriptive words.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am no angel, and I do let loose, however I have to be extremely angry for it to come flying out of my mouth. I would urge everyone to look at their words, listen to themselves, then try and find an alternative. If you can’t, so be it, however remember there are so many words available just waiting to be used. I suggest the dictionary as reading material, and Shakespeare, and the Bible, all have wonderful words in them.
Happy Friday, I hope you all have a fantastic weekend, enjoy the cold, wet weather.
Angie World 