drrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnggggg

Here that sound? That's your alarm clock going off. You know how you hate that sound? So, you roll over, hit the snooze button and drift off for just a few more minutes of sweet delicious sleep.

ddddddrrrrrriiiiinnnngggggg off it goes again and you want to hit that snooze button again, but then you look at the time and you say to yourself "Oh crap, it's time to GET THE HECK UP (well some of you may not say heck, but you think it, you know you do) !!!
Well, pay attention folks, because your internal should be going off about right now and it is way past time to get wake up!! You have hit that ' ignore it and maybe it will go away ' button one too many times.
What am I talking about?
Read all about it....

When you finish reading that, READ THIS !!

The Passion of Christ
Everybody's talking about Mel's new movie. So, I guess I will too. My thoughts are conflicted. On one hand I think it's a great movie and a story that cannot be told often enough. I think it's possible that the move will speak to the hearts and minds of everyone who sees it. It may even move some to take their relationship with God to a more serious level. Some may even be moved to return to the church and to re-dedicate their lives to the service and honor of God. I believe now was the perfect time for it to be released. With Lent upon us and Easter coming up. Whether you are Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, or any one of the other many denominations, you can't help but be curious about the movie and all that it represents. Of course if you're an Atheist it will have no religious significance for you, but it's still an excellent movie. Or so I've heard.
Like Jaye , I wonder if there will be a backlash of anti-Jewish sentiment. I hope not. It would be foolish to blame the Jews of today for what happened thousands of years ago. Besides who's to say, if Jesus came back today, that he would not receive the same treatment he received then? And not just from the Jews.
Can you imagine if a man came forward and proclaimed himself to be "the son of God"? He would be laughed out of town, or run out. People would say "prove it" but when he performed some miracle, they'd say "oh that's just magic, even David Copperfield can do magic...". You know they would. Serioulsy, would YOU believe him? He might be arrested and sent to GITMO as a supporter of terrorism. It's not beyond the realm of possibility you know. Not these days.
Then there is the issue of people taking their children to see the movie. I'm not sure that is the best thing to do. Just today I read where a woman in Kansas had a heart attack while viewing the movie. I've seen the people coming out of theaters and they all look like they've had an extreme emotional experience. I can't help but think that kids 10 and under might not be prepared for the violence . Of course that's just my opinion. Maybe I'm just an ole wussy. Or over protective. Besides I'm not sure I can handle it, so it's a given I would be uncertain about children.
While the movie was filmed in Southern California, the dialog is in Latin. Which will make it even more confusing for children, and maybe some adults.
Okay, so now tell me what YOU think. This enquiring mind wants to know....

Make of this what you will.....



I am skilled at prediction, and I am messy (unorganized). When it comes to compitition, well I kick azzzz at Scrabble. Who knows, maybe some of the other stuff is right as well.

Weighing In
No, not THAT kind of weighing in. Get your mind out of the weight room!
There's been all this hullabaloo over 'Gay Marriage' lately, so I am gonna give you my opinion.
..."MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING". What possible difference can it make who gets married? If we are going to decide who should or should not marry then can we decide who cannot reproduce?
For example people who come from wealthy families should be required to marry someone not wealthy. Spread the wealth around. You get more wealthy people. Stupid people should not be allowed to reproduce. For instance people who vote for Ralph Nader should not only be not allowed to marry , but they especially should not be allowed to marry each other, and reproduce. That would be double stupid genes. No child deserves that.
As far as the homosexual, hetrosexual debate goes, anyone who's married knows it's a moot point anyway. Once your married the sex is pretty much over or will soon be. Well at least with the one your married to.
When you have guys like Scott Peterson considered to be "The Perfect Husband", why would anyone in their right mind want to get married?
For more enlightenment on this issue check out Jaye's post titled "civilly disobedient". The girls got it right on the money!

Wind Beneath My Wings

I've heard it said that God (or life) will not give you more than you can endure. I don't believe that. If that were so, there wouldn't be so many broken minds, and spirits. So many damaged souls.

Life has not always been kind to me. I have known heartbreak. There have been some really tough times. I have been so hurt, so betrayed, and defeated that I didn't think I could go on. But, with the help of friends and family, I found a way and I survived.
Back about 5 or 6 years ago I lost my Mother. No, she didn't die. She is very much alive. But I finally gave up on ever being what it was she thought I should be. I just got tired of never measuring up to whatever line she had drawn for me. I grew weary of the never ending quest to meet her approval. That cold disapproving look broke my heart and spirit one too many times. It took a long time, but I finally found the strenght to walk away.
Occasionaly I hear ( through others ) that she ask about me. She wonders why I don't come to see her. I'm guessing that maybe for some reason, she misses me. That's too bad. Because I don't miss her. Not anymore.
If that makes me sound cold and heartless, so be it. I've changed a lot in the past 10 years. I am not the woman I used to be. She is gone.
When I see people who have endured so much pain in their lives and still remain, warm , loving, kind, good and trusting people. I am enthralled by them. They possess some inner strenght that I do not. They are my hero's.
I dont think any less of myself. I am what I am. A wounded spirit that will probably never soar again.
That doesn't stop me from admiring the Eagles when they fly.
As you go through your life, be careful of the things you say and do. Don't be the one who breaks the heart or the spirt of another.

Reality Check
Okay, okay, I know politics are only supposed to be discussed in the parlor but you have sooooo got to read this....
The Holodeck Presidency

Bragging Rights
Reading Tx's blog for today, got me to thinking about the my own home state. I guess Alabama would technically be my home state. I was born in Anniston, Alabama. I lived there until I was two. Then my Mother married an Army Officer and we became a 'military' family. We traveled the world until I was 8 when my step-father retired and we moved to Lakeland, Florida. We lived there until I was 16 then we moved back to Alabama. I lived in this podunt little town called Lockhart for 2 years then I left for college. Later I married my own Army guy and we traveled the world until 1992 when we move yet again back to Alabama.
I've spent most of my adult life being embarrassed about 'being from' Alabama. When people would ask "where are you from" I'd say, Florida. Well I did live there for 8 years, which was the longest time I ever lived anywhere. Until now.
Having traveled throughout the world I think I can say with some expertise, Alabama really ain't so bad. In fact, there are some things one could brag about.
Alabama may be one of the worlds best well kept secrets. People think we're just a bunch of semi-ignorant rednecks who all drive pick ups and live on red dirt roads. The truth is we too have ocean (actually Gulf, the same as Texas) beaches (with white sand no less) mountains, and lakes. We have big cities and small towns. We have Red Stone Arsenal in Huntsville. We have Selma where the Civil Rights movement all began. We're the home of greats like George Washington Carver and Rosa Parks. Our schools are some of the best in the country. Our people are modest, hard working down home folks. We have Cheaha Mt. which is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen (and I have seen a lot of places). Northeast Alabama is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. There are rivers and valleys with views that will take your breath away. The weather here is moderate. It never gets really cold, but the summers are scorchers! Oh yeah and we have Muscle Shoals, the home of Lynard Skinard!!!
When you travel the world and people ask 'where are you from' if you say Alabama, they will go 'oh' in that condesending way. But that's okay. We will go on being that well kept secret. I think, I like it like that!
Now, tell me about YOUR state!!

Yep that'd be me

You're Watership Down!
by Richard Adams
Though many think of you as a bit young, even childish, you're actually incredibly deep and complex. You show people the need to rethink their assumptions, and confront them on everything from how they think to where they build their houses. You might be one of the greatest people of all time. You'd be recognized as such if you weren't always talking about talking rabbits politics!

Raisins are what make the bran so sweet

Reading Leslie's blog today reminded me of Tightly Wounds post a few days ago about her Grandmother and what a great lady she was. I know I felt the same about my Grandparents as well. Which led me to wonder, when did it happen that people stopped revering the elderly? Young people of today have no patience for the older generation. If Granma or Granpa have some money to dole out, then they are cool, other wise they are forgotten.
I remember thinking that my Grandfather was the wisest man in the world. My Grandmother always had these wonderful little bits of wisdom to share. Like putting salt on a birds tail will make it easier to catch. Or the one about a crowing hen and a whistling girl will come to no good end. Of course she also made the worlds best biscuits and fried chicken. What wonderful people they were. They brought so much sunshine and happiness into my life.
My Mother was never interested in being that kind of Grandmother. My children never knew my sperm donor Father, and my step-Father died when they were all small. My husbands Mother passed away when he was a teenager. His Dad, was a cantankerous old fellow who was more interested in chasing wimmen than his grandchildren. So my children never had the opportunity to have grandparents like I did. Maybe that is why they have no reverence for the elderly the way I do. Another great loss for our children.
While kids of today are much more savy than we ever were, they have a hard edge to them, a loss of empathy. No real understanding of the wisdom that comes with age. Will they ever understand that 'raisins are what makes the bran so sweet'?

A Message for Dean Supporters
I am greatly saddened to see Dr Dean withdraw from the race for the Democratic nomination. I've been down this road before and I know all too well how his supporters feel.
Read more...

Warning Lables

This one could be on me...

Except one of them doesn't apply.
You can figure out which one.

Thanks goes to Jen for the link.

What the ???
Doggie birth control? Is there such a thing? Robby said that someone at work told him you can get this from the vet. Anyone else ever heard of this? Supposedly you give it to the dog as soon as she goes into heat and it halts the process thereby avoiding her getting, shall we say 'in the family way'. Since we have two dogs and both are female, I am very interested in finding out more about this. We haven't had them spayed because we want to let each one of them have one litter of puppies. We just haven't been able to find the right stud. Poor doggies, I know how they feel. Of course seeing Butch Moneyshot in those leather chaps with that big ole hawg between his legs didn't help one bit. Kinda made me feel a little weak in the knees there for a bit.
Anyway, I am curious about this 'doggie birth control'.

I fought the law and the law I won!

Have you seen the new Pepsi commercial? The one about downloading music off the internet? It just cracked me up. Especially the background music. If I didn't already drink Pepsi, I'd switch! Now I can't get that song out of my head.
I fought the law and the law won, dadatdaddatdadatda..............

Monday Madness
I've (otto) got a new idea this week.......First of all, pick a letter, any letter.................Got one? Ok. For the following questions, all your answers must begin with the letter you just thought of. (Honor system here, my friends!) Have fun with it! Thanks for your participation!! Remember; All your answers must begin with the letter you just chose! =)
I, Wanda picked the letter W.
1. Name two types of food that you could care less if you ever ate again.
Watercress sandwiches and Waldorf salad
2. Name one animal.
Wildcat
3. List three words to describe yourself.
Wicked, Wiley,Wonderful (am I conceited or what)
4. Name two things you might find at a zoo.
Water Buffalo and Water (as in an aquarium)
5. Name three things you might find living in the water.
Walruses, Whales, Whale Sharks

Much Ado About Nothing

While it piques me to do so, I am behooved to admit the scuttlebutt regarding "George's Missing Year", appears to be apocryphal (see Jen, I found a way to use that special word).
Today the President ordered the release of all his military records. Of course there are those who will speculate that this is too much , and much too late. Since it is ridiculously easy to alter ones military records (especially if one has the power of the Oval Office behind one) there will no doubt be those who will be suspicious of this late showing of 'evidence'.
Have I changed my mind regarding the importance of this? Yes, (that is a woman's perogative isn't it). I now say SO WHAT (see entry titled 'so what')? This all took place over 30 years ago. If Dubya, took a hiatius from the Guard to work on some Alabama fellow's campaign, big deal. If John Kerry (AFTER his return from Vietnam) protested the war in Vietnam (even if he flung his Medals to the ground or whatever he did with them, they were HIS medals, he earned them) . So what ? The statute of limitations has run out. Let's move on already. There are much more important issues to focus this upcoming election on.
No, I do not mean the equally apocryphal crap that Matt Drudge is spreading all over the net about Kerry. Clearly the good folks in Nevada and Washington D.C. didn't place much importance on this non-issue as Mr Kerry won the caucuses in both locations today.
There are those out there in the political blogosphere who say Mr Kerry is merely the Democratic version of Bush. I find that interesting. Especially since I have said that in my opinion Mr Kerry bears a striking resemblance to another great Repugnican Republican, good ole Honest Abe.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Here at chez moi Valentines Day is shaping up to be a non-event. The Master is off for his monthly sojourn at his brothers country estate. Our singular horse and buggy is winding it's way toward the big city, with the young Master at the reigns. The Mistress is surrounded by delightful chocolates, good books, warm drink and a cozy boudior. There is the steady patter of rain outside our door.
Were it not for the rambunctious nine year old lounging in the den, moi would be sleeping. Wonder what Phyllis would charge me....
Hope all of you have a lovely day. I know I shall.
Bonne journée mes amis

Off to Dreamland I Go

There are couple of things I want to get off my chest (easy TW, I know what you're thinking), before I crawl under the covers for the night, or what's left of it.
First of all, I want to THANK MICHELLE for the lovely gifts. The magnet has found it's place of honor on my fridge, (everyone has commented on it today!) and I had to threaten my daughter with bodily harm to keep her from stealing the key ring. You are a lovely, sweet and generous lady. Thank YOU!
Next, I can't believe no one noticed my adorable little teddy bear. Isn't he/she just the cutest thing you've ever seen? I really like this layout because I can change the background picture as often as I like (kinda like I change the name of my blog) and still be able to keep the 'bones' of the blog in place.
Last, but not least, I want to invite everyone who visits my blog today to take the time to visit Blog Amy . Her blog entry titled "You Scratch My Back, I'll Cover Your's" is an eye opening piece. Much of what she says re-enforces what I have been thinking and saying for a long time. She just does it so much better than I do.
Egads, I just realized it's Friday the 13th! I'm gonna go crawl in bed and stay there. Ya'll be careful out there, it's gonna be a freaky Friday!

ps: I have changed the link for Blog Amy . You will have to scroll WAY down and look for the entry titled "You Scratch My Back, I'll Cover Your's". It's worth the trouble, trust me. Well that is if your an open minded person! ;-)

Blog Titles

After reading Special K's rant today (that means I read it today, not that she wrote it today), I have grudgingly decided she has a point. The particular rant I am referring to is the bit about listing people on your blog roll by their name instead of by the name of their blog/journal/site. I must admit that "What's Up Down South" probably does sound/look more interesting than just plain ole "Brenda". That is unless you know Brenda, then you of course KNOW how interesting and exciting 'Brenda' is. Alas not everyone knows Brenda.
I confess I do this more out of laziness than any kind of blog-bonding attempt (unlike my 'boobies' picture, which was a scandalous attempt at uping my blog readership). It's quicker and easier to just zap 'Special K' up there than to have to write out "The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Person". Oh and it takes up less space.
Then there are those people like me, who are constantly changing the name and/or the location of their blog. I notice some people still have my old site "Dangerously Delusional" on their blog rolls. That's okay, cause I have a link there to assist anyone interested in finding their way here. My theory is I don't care what you call me, just call! Oh and comment. I love comments. In fact if one could prostitute one's self out for comments, I might consider doing it. Especially if one could work from one's home. (Dennis, you may need to say a special prayer for me tonight, I am getting dangerously close to being a very naughty girl here.) If anyone wants to rant and rave about people being a slave addicted to their comments, go right ahead. I don't deny I love comments. It's my blog and I'll love em if I want to!!!!! In fact people who SAY they don't care, are most likely lying. Why else would they even bother to offer the comments option if they didn't care about them?
At any rate, heretofore all blogs listed on my blog roll will be listed by the title of the blog. Never let it be said I can't take constuctive criticism.
Incidently, regarding an email I received today from tx. Who knew WD-40 had so many uses?

Somewhere, Pigs are Flying


It's no secret to anyone who knows me (probably to those who don't know me either) that I detest Bill O'Reilly. I can't stand the man. That said, I must admit, I can't help but admire someone who is willing to admit when they are wrong. Of course there is that whole 'I told you so' thing too. So, you can imagine my glee when I came across this today. Pundit O'Reilly Now Skeptical About Bush . I hope this is just the beginning of a trend of jounalist and other media 'pundits' waking up and admitting they were hoodwinked.
Oh yeah, and I want to know if and when is he going to issue a personal apology to Janean Garofalo?


ps:
If you are even remotely interested in George's Missing Year , then you might find this
Iowa Farmer's investigation interesting.

There But for the Grace of God, Go I...


No clever or crass tonight. I'm sitting here thinking about how really fortunate I am. In case you have any doubts just go and read The Thoughts and Opinions of A Homeless Girl . Think it can't happen to you? Go back to the beginning and see how she became homeless.
Sometimes late at night, I lie awake and wonder what would have become of us if it hadn't been for my two younger children and their willingness to help. Until you've been there you have no idea how quickly you can lose everything and how little most people care. People you thought were your friends will turn their heads and pretend they don't see you. Relatives will avoid you because it embarasses them to see you living in such dire circumstances. Then there are those who look at you as say, 'if he/she'd just get off their lazy butt and get a job...' They have no clue as to how hard you may be looking and what your going through.
Most of all what makes them look the other way, to avoid you and to even try and make it your fault, is the fear that if it can happen to you then it can happen to them. So they try to find some comfort, some self assurance that it could never happen to them, because they wouldn't let it.
It scares the hell out of them to think... There, But for the Grace of God, go I

If Women Ruled
Oh yeah, this would sooooo be the way to San Jose!


and this is what they'd drive...



Wanna see more? If Women Ruled
Thanks to Dan for these delightful pictures! He has more so be sure to check him out!

Dear Diary
The evidence is clear. Risque beats clever. Now I just have to figure out a way to keep things on the verge of impropriety without being obscene. Just a wee bit wicked, slightly sexy and cunningly cute. It would appear a bit of clever is still going to be required.
Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.

For your (boobie) viewing pleasure
Everybody's doin it, so I guess I will too!

Janet Jackson, eat your heart out!

Like John I am hoping to boost my blog readership with this bit of risque posting. I'm hoping risque beats clever. Cause clever is not my long suite.

editors note: Anyone trying to access my political page, you have to let it take it's time loading. I don't know what's up with it, but it's taking about 5 minutes for it to load for me and I have broadband. Got to be a Bloggar snafu.

Thinking of Jaye
Let's all remember Jaye , today. Hope her surgury goes well and she's back up and at em in no time!

I'm a Travelin (wo)Man Part Deux
I have traveled a lot. But remember, I am an Army brat that married an Army man. So I have spent the better part of my life traveling. Make's it kind of hard to put down roots though. Also many of the states are just pass throughs. For instance New Jersey, I have no idea what New Jersey looks like, we passed through there on our way to the airport. I do remember the Holland Tunnel. That was scary as all get out to a 4 year old!
It would be difficult to pick just one favorite place. Washington state is simply beautiful, but it's wet on the west coast and cold on the eastern side of the mountains. Oregon is beautiful, but again very damp. Alaska is awesome, but cold as the dickens in winter, which is more like 9 months instead of 3. California is nice, but way too many people, and there's that whole earthquake thing. Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona are hot and dry. Lots of wide open spaces there, and in Texas too. Texas by far was the biggest surprise to me. I don't know exactly what I was expecting but it wasn't the big, busy cities that I found. Dallas, Houston, and Austin are all big, REALLY big. Sooooo many people, and so many things to do. There is this huge lake just north of Austin ,well I think it's north. It's amazing. We drove around it and it took forever, but the scenery was lovely. The coast of Texas is like none other I have visited. Very different. Ohio, and Indiana are very similiar. They have nice weather. Moderate in the summer and not too cold in the winter. And that's just the US!!!
I don't remember too much about Europe because I was little when we were there. Except when we were in Germany from 1988 to 1991. Germany, and Austria are so beautiful. The mountains are amazing. The grass is incredibly green. Everything seems to be fresher, and cleaner. The air is sweet. The people are kind and friendly. I visited a friends family in Austria at their ski lodge and it was breath taking. Sitting out on the deck , sipping wine, with cheese and bread, looking out at the mountains was the most amazing, relaxing time I have ever spent. They have such a laid back easy lifestyle. This would be the perfect place for someone who wants to just 'get away from it all'. Those are some of my fondest memories. I guess if I had a favorite place that would be it. As far as 'in country', I suppose I'd have to say Colorado, or maybe the coast of Georgia. But that's just one womans opinion.

I'm a Travelin (wo)Man
Okay, I guess I'll do it too, since all the kewl kids are. Some of these are just pass throughs. For instance I was on a Greyhound bus when I passed through New Mexico. We drove through Idaho in the middle of the night so I'm not really sure what it looked like.



create your own visited states map
or write about it on the open travel guide

It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want To!
Do you remember that song? I think Dusty Springfield sang it. I loved that song, still do.
Thanks to all of you for your sweet birthday wishes. I had a great day. We grilled steaks, and lots of handsome young men here for dinner. In fact I was the only lady present. I had forgotten how funny boys could be. Well, they are not technically boys, since they are over 20 but hey when your 40 something, 20 is boyish. I can't help it, I love men. Especially when they are cooking for me, serving me, and doing dishes. Is there any thing sexier than a man cooking and doing dishes? I think not.
Today was super duper ! Now I'm off to do some blogging then off to a lovely calgon bubble bath!