I don’t know what is happening here at work, people around me literally have the bubonic plague, it is medieval, meds people, meds!
I don’t even know how to properly explain it, but all at once, today, everyone started hacking, sneezing and making strange noises. I wanted to run to a drug store, buy a mask, cough drops and cough syrup to pass out. Do not give this to me people!
I refuse to get sick, I have a healthy metabolism, I will overcome all of the germs in my office environment.
On a happier note, or should I say healthier note, I am doing well with staying on the wagon. Today I incorporated a Starbucks treat within my point range, very happy about that. It is a once a week treat and I am ok with that, as long as I just don’t just slide back into old habits.
The thing is, I know what to do, and when I do it, I do it well, it is just the backsliding that trips me up. A decadent chocolate creation, sitting, teasing, waiting for me to indulge, what is one bite I say. One bite is everything.
I cannot do it, I cannot stray from my goal this time. I will be thin, I will be pretty, I will be attractive.
I heard this thing on the radio, it was asking women to name one part of themselves they liked. Physical, not mental or emotional, it stumped women, that simple questions. So I thought to myself, what do I like about myself physically, the word nothing immediately came to mind. I pushed it back down, I thought some more, I decided I like my mouth. I like the way it is shaped. I don’t have thin lips, they are not giant lips, they are perfect for my face.
I would love to hear what you like about yourself physically.
The Story of Foy and Odela
It’s that time again, yes, my parents anniversary, it always makes me smile, to think of them in their youth, just starting out, so much in love with the whole world at their feet.
My mom loved to tell their story, it is such a great story, so I am going to tell everyone here, I have a selfish motive, I want their story to live on forever, and it is such a great love story.
Odela was 5 years old when she opened the door to see a 7 year old Foy standing there, he said saw some boys come in here yesterday I know they live here can they come out and play? Five year old Odela stood and stared, she knew in that instant this was going to be the boy she would marry one day. It seemed like an eternity until she could find her voice; she finally stuttered “they’re here.” Her brothers came running to play with the twins Foy and Roy.
Odela and her best friend Joyce immediately fell for the twins, however, they had a big decision to make, who would get whom. Odela waited with baited breath to see who Joyce would choose, she chose Roy. Odela was relieved; she could still be friends with Joyce.
The years went by, Odela never revealed her feelings for Foy, once when she was 7; she was sitting in a tree singing, to the tune of Bring Back My Bonnie to Me, Bring Back My Foy to me. She heard a noise, looked down, and to her horror, there were her brothers and Foy. She kept very quiet so they wouldn’t see her. She just knew that they had heard her; she didn’t want to go home to face the ridicule of her older brothers. They never said a word, she was in the clear, no one had heard her.
When she was still in school, Foy left, he hopped a freight train to California to find work, as many young men were doing during the depression. Her brother told her she needed to move on, Foy wasn’t coming back, and she needed to find a husband. She stared at him, how did he know she asked, he said everyone knew.
She moved on, she started dating a local boy, she became engaged to him, her heart wasn’t there, she really didn’t want to, however she needed to move on. One evening, after they had been on a date, he drove down to the local pond and parked. He began to put the moves on her, as they say. She asked what he thought he was doing; he told her his mother said that if Odela loved him she would do certain things. She said she was not that kind of girl and he said well a man expects things, she said Foy wouldn’t. He said well Foy isn’t here, she said take me home and gave him back his ring.
Her brother said, he isn’t coming back, you need to find someone, you can’t be a spinster. She began dating another boy, one nicer, then it happened, her brother ran into house saying Foy was back. It was a Wednesday and they were all going to church that evening. Odela went into her bedroom sat on her bed and didn’t come out. Her brother came into the room and said come on, we’re going to church, she said she didn’t feel good and didn’t want to go. He said I know what’s wrong with you, get dressed let’s go.
So, she did the only thing she could, she got dressed and went to church, all during the service she was sandwiched between the boy she was dating and Foy. She began to pray, Lord, just take me now, open the floor, open the ceiling, whatever You need to do, just take me. He did not, He had other plans. Her boyfriend took her home; at the door she said I can’t see you anymore. He said I figured as much, I hope it all works out.
The next morning Foy came to the door, Odela answered, she said I’ll get my brother, he said, I came for you. The words she had been waiting to hear since she was 5 years old, she thought she had misheard, what, she said. He said it again, I came for you, I don’t think I like you going with any other boys, she said ok, well who should I go with.
He said me, she said well ok then.
They were married shortly after that, within a few weeks, on a Friday the 13th and they did live very happily ever after.
Romeo and Juliette was not a love story, Bonnie and Clyde was not a love story, Cleopatra and Marc Antony was not a love story. Foy and Odela, now there is a love story for the ages.
Mickey
We have lost another family member, this time Mickey has gone home, I do believe I have covered this before, I believe pets go to heaven. There is no one alive that can tell me that my animals will not be waiting for me in heaven. Mickey and Arthur were brothers and now they are together again.
While Arthur was the calm, king of the jungle type of cat, Mickey was a true predator, he knew when there was food, and he would stalk you and pounce when you least expected it. Stealing french fries from ones mouth or snitching chicken from your fingers, it was all fair game to him.
He started out a family cat and ended up being Elizabeth Anne’s best friend, her companion in all things, he was her confidante, keeping her secrets and being the best listener in the world. He never revealed one of her secrets to me, at all, he was good like that.
Mickey has spent his last years, like Arthur, with Elizabeth Anne at the farm, being her alarm clark in the wee hours of the morning, letting her know that he was ever present and like a true ruler of the roost needed his food, immediately.
I know she feels his loss more keenly than the rest of us do, he was more than a cat to her, he was her friend, he will be missed immensely.
He now rests with his brother and with Nocona, soon Chewie will join them, as I will be taking his ashes out there to be buried with his friends.
I have tried waiting for a good snow in order to take him out in the weather he loved, however that does not seem like it is going to happen Texas any time soon.
I’ll miss seeing you when I travel to the farm Mickey, I’ll miss hearing your plaintive meow and then your purr when I reach down to pet you. Then your look of disdain when you realize I don’t have a treat with me. I look forward to seeing you again my friend.
Late Start
I feel like I am starting all over again, on this stupid weight loss thing, I hate it, I wish I were like my BFF Tammi and naturally skinny. It’s seriously not fair, I have been battling this demon since I was born.
I read a lot of Maria Kang, the no excuses mom who takes a lot of flak in the media, she is right on the money though. Find your excuse and do away with it. Today she posted photos of her post baby and every month after on her way to being fit. I will not be posting the photos, but I am going to take one a month and track my progress via photos. They will be for my eyes only and hopefully they will give me encouragement.
yesterday was a good day food wise, I am thinking today will be as well.
Enough on that front, it is very windy here today, I am hoping that means the cold front that the Northerners are getting will come this way. One can only pray, it seems like I spend a lot of time praying for snow. I know what you are thinking, my prayers could be used in a different way. World peace, for the sick to be healed, the blind to see, however, I believe we pray for what is important to us.
Snow is important to me, it is my belief it is God’s way of communicating with me, telling me all is right in the world and my world will be ok. I do not count ice as that, I only count snow. I am seriously praying for snow on my birthday this year, as it is a milestone year I am hopeful God will acknowledge it in that way.
I am off to take down the Christmas tree and put away all evidence of holiday goodness until next year. I hope everyone has a great day, remember, whatever mistakes you make today you can correct them tomorrow. Or correct today what you did yesterday, it is never too late to start over in any area of your life.
A Milestone Year
Here we are, 2014, so far it feels a lot like 2013 and 2012 and so on and so on. I hear a lot about a new year, a new beginning, but is it really? What are we really going to change in 2014? Will we, as a nation, become more tolerant of different views on life happenings? Will we remember, as a nation, which claims to be Christian in nature and creation, that love is the greatest commandment of all? 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Will we remember, as one, to not judge? Matthew 7:1-3 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2) For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3) Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
I readily admit I am as guilty as anyone else of passing judgment, of forgetting that love is the greatest commandment Jesus left us with.
I don’t believe in resolutions, those are too easily forgotten and left by the wayside. I do believe in change, we are creatures of change; it is human nature to go forth, explore, change our environment to meet our needs. So this year, I vow to change, I vow to judge less, love more and accept the differences that we all exhibit.
That does not mean I believe sin is ok and live and let live, it means that I will love in spite of sin in others as God loves me in spite of my own sin.
This year is going to be momentous in a personal way, I hit a milestone in my life, it is not a pleasant one. It is one where I must face my own mortality. When we are young we tend to think that we are invincible, that we are going to live forever. At least I did, the aging process within my own family was showing me that longevity was a given.
Then my grandmother died, it was then I realized I would one day as well, and while I know this sounds silly, I really hadn’t thought about it before. In my mind I was invincible, I would live forever, I would see the world change around me and be part of it. Her dying showed me that everything ends, and I would not be on this earth forever. It was life changing, that realization, it was devastating.
Now, as I quickly approach the half-century mark, I must face my aging process, my body no longer responds like it did when I was 20 or even 30. My mind is still sharp, but I have to wonder how long that will last, will I begin to lose my memory, will thoughts escape me. The thought is daunting; it overwhelms me at times, the thought of losing my mind.
All I know it that I can’t control what happens in the future, I can control my reactions, my preparations. I can gain control of my eating habits and begin mental exercises as well.
As I go through this life change, hitting a mark that makes me officially old, I refuse to become depressed, I will, instead celebrate it. I have survived these past 50 years, no matter what life threw at me, I endured, I persevered and at times I won. Now I look forward to the next 70 years, oh, did I not mention I am going to live until I am 120 years old?
I look forward to seeing what advances are made, I look forward to seeing my children continue to grow into the adults I am proud of. I look forward to seeing Tessa grow into her own and go through those difficult teenage years.
I look forward to see what adventures I will have with the Irishman and our “daughter” Stormie. I look forward to seeing the great things that will happen in the lives of my friends. I know God is going to do great things in their lives.
I look forward to seeing where I go in the media that I love so much, writing and my new love the radio.
Yes, this will be an interesting year indeed.
Goodbye 2013
As 2013 comes to a close I sit and ponder it’s significance in my life, the good, the bad and the ugly, I am seeing more good than any other offering. 2013 saw me spending more time with my granddaughter, it saw a radio show, which I never in my wildest dreams would have ever thought would be in my life, it saw strengthening relationships with my children and with the Irishman.
It saw us moving from an apartment to a home, it saw losses. I lost my companion, Noconna, I gained a companion in Stormie, one does not take the place of the other.
I look back on 2013 and realize that God has indeed blessed me and my home continually throughout the year, it may not be readily apparent to the outside world, but I see it.
I look at the outside world in the past year and I am continually reminded that God is indeed in control and I don’t worry about my future as it is already written.
Today is not only New Years Eve, it is also mine and the Irishman’s anniversary, 6 years ago today was our first date, I guess it went ok, since I went out on a second and third and so on and so on. We have been engaged for 4 of those years, it has not always been roses and rainbows, but it has been a journey and one that we continue to walk down.
I am not the outwardly romantic type, so I will just say this to him: I love you, I love our life together and here’s to many more years of the journey together.
I am looking forward to seeing what 2014 brings to me in a personal way, there are many things I would love to do, I await to see what God wants me to do.
My New Year’s prayer for all of you is that you enjoy good health, that you gain wisdom from experience and remember to express compassion to those around you. There are things happening in other lives that you don’t get to see, no one knows what others go through. However, having said that, no excuses for bad behavior. To the women out there, I say don’t get involved with a man who already has someone at home or in his life. You will regret it on a personal level, this is not a satisfying relationship and is not what God wants for you. I also want to say, get healthy, make better choices in what you fuel your body with. I know I will be trying my best to do this, I will still eat sweets, but within moderation, sour skittles once a month, not once a week, or once a day.
Being battle ready, mentally and physically is our duty to our Lord and Savior, make no mistake, there is a battle coming, whether we will be here to witness it, well, I’ll leave that up to the theologians. I, myself, believe in what my mother called the pan millennium, it will all pan out in the end so it doesn’t really matter. In the meantime I will continue to enjoy my family and friends and my new pup, I shall enjoy this life for as long as I get to have it.
New Career for 2014
I am contemplating a career change for 2014. I really have two options here, ok one. Pop singer is out as, well, in all honesty I don’t have the best singing voice. The other day the man in the car behind me at Starbucks overheard me belting out This Night Won’t Last Forever, I felt compelled to pay for his coffee as recompense for his pain and suffering.
So, singer is out, that leaves one option, yes, you guessed it. Superhero. I’m going with Wonder Woman as I have the outfit already. Think about it, this really is a great career move. As an amazon I will stop aging, the aging process may even begin to reverse itself. Plus I would get to wear killer boots everyday. And a cape. Who doesn’t love a good cape! Not to mention the lasso of truth. Now that is going to be a handy tool.
I could stop crime, fly an invisible plane and wear a great outfit. Oh, and my glasses would be obsolete as Wonder Woman, I would only have to wear them as a disguise. I do believe this is a good move for me.
Barbie
There is much talk these days of creating an obese Barbie; at first I thought these posts were a joke. Who would want to mess with Barbie? She is iconic; no one has had a problem with the way Barbie looks since she was created in 1959. She looks good for her age. I don’t understand why people have issues with the way Barbie looks. Some say her measurements are unrealistic, to this I say; she is a doll, a child’s toy. She is not real. Children play with her, they dress her up, they cut her hair, they take her head off and marry her off to Ken. I married mine to G.I. Joe, he was much more masculine than Ken.
If what some people are saying, that Barbie is giving girls unrealistic views of their bodies, then what will an obese Barbie do? Encourage them to have triple chins? Encourage them to have big bellies? I have seen the picture of the Barbie that is obese and she is hideous. Seriously? Do you want to encourage young girls to be obese? That this is ok?
What about teaching them to be healthy? What about teaching them some form of exercise is acceptable? Why not get them away from the computer screen, television, and tablet, whatever it is, and get them outside? Take a walk, run, something.
There is a whole generation of children that do nothing but sit in front of a screen all day. Whether it is a television, gaming, tablet or computer they do nothing but sit and eat. Giving them a doll that promotes this is nothing short of insanity.
Barbie is more than a pretty face, she has taught generations of girls they can be anything they want to be. A doctor, a lawyer, a gymnast, a teacher, a dancer and a superhero.
She doesn’t need a makeover, she needs to be applauded, she is special and unique, and she does what she wants in a world of conformity. Barbie stands out and stands the test of time, generations of girls have played with her and learned they can do and be anything.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas! Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
This is what Christmas is about, a child, a savior, this is why we celebrate, we give each other presents as a symbol of the greatest gift that was ever given to us. Ever lasting life.
Having said that, I have had a wonderful Christmas, as many of you know, we celebrate Christmas Eve, the food was plenty, the presents were overflowing and we have added to our family. Elizabeth Anne is engaged and he comes with a bonus, a daughter, I think we all know what this means. I have someone else to spoil.
Last night was nothing short of wonderful, the conversation was good, when I could get it refocused from sports talk, and everyone had a good time. After the food of course comes the presents, I have said it before, I’ll say it again, I have the best kids ever. From a Chi straightener to flannel pajamas to a fluffy dark purple robe that feels like I am wearing a cloud I love them all.
Tessa enjoyed the majority of her presents, when she got to the clothes she said why does everyone give me clothes! It was very cute and her dad quickly told her that was the best present of all because she could wear them.
Even with all of that I am thinking of the people not present, my parents, grandparents, great aunt Effie, my son, Granny Dee so many who are celebrating in heaven right now. Even though they are gone, they are still present and alive in our hearts and memories.
I hope everyone has a great Christmas, being with family, enjoying the company, the food and yes the presents. It is all part of our celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior.
Opinion
Apparently in the United States of America, no one is allowed to have an opinion or religious belief that differs from anyone else’s, apparently that is cause for ridicule, bullying and outright vicious attacks.
Apparently, if you are a born again Christian in the United States of America, you do not have the right to answer a question honestly when asked, nor do you have the right to practice said religious beliefs.
Oh, wait, we have several amendments to our Constitution that allows for this:
Freedom of Speech and Religion:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Interesting, we have these inalienable rights, however, in the current climate of the country we are vilified for stating our opinions unless we are agreeing with the current climate of the country.
I am horrified by what is happening to people in this country, especially in the press, news reporting is gone, it is someone spouting their views, not just straight news reporting. Interviews are a joke, when a “reporter” purposely chooses a person of interest that they know has strong religious beliefs and purposely baits them with a question about homosexuality and then eggs them on to give a radical response then in the article says that person has to repent. This is not a reporter this is someone trying to make a name for themselves as controversial. This was not controversial, he got the answer he knew he was going to get.
The same goes for the Chick-fil-a CEO, a born again Christian with strong views on homosexuality, question asked, question answered. Everyone was shocked at the answer? Seriously?
Why is everyone pretending to be shocked and then vilifying these people? When did this happen to the United States of America? Since when is no one allowed to have an opinion? A religious belief? Stop the insanity, Phil Robertson’s words were taken out of context and the quotes that are going around are soundbites. A snippet of what was actually said, here is a direct quote:
“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?”
He said he doesn’t judge, he does view sin as sin, as does God, the bible is pretty clear on that, it says God sees all sin the same. All in all, this person was being judgmental and rude. I went to the gq website and read, well tried, to read the whole thing.
The author who penned this claptrap has no real talent as a writer, the whole thing reads like verbal diarrhea, yes, I said it, the thoughts are disjointed and the whole thing is dripping with disdain towards these people.
I want to be able to spout my views, practice my religion without fear of being attacked, unfortunately in today’s United States of America, that is not possible. So, I will just endure the attacks, the viciousness of others and continue to pray that God protect me.
Angie World 