Aquarians

Thank all of you for the wonderful warm birthday wishes.
Since there's more than one aquarian among us I thought I'd post this little bit of insight. This comes from my personal star chart at birthday reminder. It's me to a T.
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You are a freedom-loving, strong-willed, and independent-minded individual, and you insist upon living your own life as you see fit, even if that means ignoring convention and tradition. In personal relationships you cannot be owned or possessed, and while you are willing to share yourself with another, you do not always adjust easily to the emotional give and take of a close relationship. Though intellectually open, you can be enormously stubborn, opinionated, and inflexible on a one-to-one level. You have strong convictions and feelings about fairness and equality, and you try to live by your ideals, but your ideals about how people SHOULD treat one another don't always take into account human weaknesses, differences, and needs. You probably dislike sentimentality and traditional gender roles and "games".
Clear, objective, and realistic, you are unimpressed by exaggerated claims or promises. You insist upon being shown facts to back up any statement you hear, and your natural skepticism often borders on cynicism. You approach problems clearly and rationally and maintain your poise and objectivity even in the midst of critical situations. Anyone seeking your advice is certain to get an unemotional and unbiased assessment of their situation, and you therefore make a good arbitrator or judge. You are thorough, conscientious, and disciplined in your thinking, and have an aptitude for business, organization, and administration. You are also a good strategist, and will plan and patiently follow a realistic course which will lead to your eventual success. Serious-minded and studious, you enjoy quiet time alone for thinking or reading.
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Yep that would be me alright!
Thanks again to all of you wonderful, wonderful people!

Monday, Monday

Well, here it is Monday again. Back to the salt mines for those who work outside the home, and back to business as usual for those who either work from home, are retired or unemployed, or whatever you are that doesn't fit into one of those catagories.
It was a fairly peaceful weekend here in COWville(Cult Of Wanda, and yes I shamelessly stole that from whats-his-name over at that other place). There isn't much to report on. The elections in Iraq appear to have gone well. Now we see how the counting will go. We all know the proof is in the pudding counting don't we?
I thought I'd start the week off with a question. Satisfy my mind's endless need to ponder the mysteries of the universe and all that jazz.

If you could possess one supernatural ability, what would it be?
Even this simple question is tough for me. I'd love to be able to read people's minds. To know what they really are thinking as opposed to what they politely say. Then again, I'd love to be able to fly. To soar above the houses, buildings, cities, and contry side. To see the world from a birds point of view.
I guess if I have to choose, I'll take the flying. Maybe knowing what someone really thinks isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sometimes it might even be disaterous or dangerous. So, fly me to the moon, and let me play among the stars, let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars....

Now I lay me down to sleep...

Anyone who even halfway knows me, knows my feelings regarding Iraq. If you don't by now, all you have to do is take a hop over to my political blog and you'll get an eye & ear full.
Tonight, I want to put that aside. Because despite how I feel about the war , I deeply hope and pray that tomorrow will be a glorious and most wonderful success for the Iraq people. On January 30th Iraqi's all over Iraq and throughout the world will go to the polls and vote. For some it will be the first time in 60 years. For other's it will be the first time in their lives. Yes, they have voted in the past, but this time, they will have a choice. And not just between man A and man A.
No matter how I feel about how they got there, I'm so proud for the people who have the courage to come out and vote.
So, tonight when you lay down to sleep, remember to include the people of this sad, war torn country in your prayers. They are going to need them.

I Feaking Wish...

You scored as Sloth. Sloth 38% Envy 25% Gluttony 15% Greed 13% Pride 0% Wrath 0% Lust 0% Seven deadly sins created with QuizFarm.com

********

It's 3 AM and I'm wide awake. How could I be a sloth ? Maybe I just wanna be one.

Friday's Finds

I promised Leslie I'd play her game,and so I shall

Something old...


How many of us remember this book?




Something new...


If the Dick & Jane primer was the way kids used to learn, this would surely be the way they learn now!




Something borrowed...


Who among us hasn't borrowed that proverbial cup-of-sugar?




and last, something blue....


What could be more beautiful than bluebells?

Dat..dat..dats all folks!!

Choices

I mentioned a few days ago that I'd been feeling like, well, crap, for the lack of a better word. Okay, I know there are better words but crap fits the bill here better than anything that comes to mind at the moment. I digress. Anyway, I thought I might be coming down with something. There's that flu bug out there, and I do not subscribe to the idea of taking a shot to avoid what I might not get to begin with. Then there's always the ever lurking cold just waiting to pounce at the slighest opportunity. After a few day when nothing more significant than aches and pains materialized, I realized, I wasn't coming down with anything. I was in withdrawal.
I don't know if I've ever mentioned it or not but I suffer from osteoarthritis. As I'm sure everyone knows by now, the two most powerful drugs for the pain of arthritis, Celebrex and Vioxx have been pulled off the market. On the positive side, I hadn't taken either in several months because I'd been using Aleve. Aleve provided what I thought was maximum pain relief with minimum side affects. Of course I should have known, that was just too good to be true. Now, it appears that the pundits at the FDA have decided that Aleve (naproxen)can also increase your risk for heart disease. Well damn! So, I stopped taking it as well.
After nearly a week of the aching joints and pain from hell, I finally came to the conclusion, I am going to have to choose the lesser of two evils (and it's not even an election year!!). I either endure the pain in my back, legs and knees or I take the Aleve and live with the associated risk. I can't take ibuprofen because it wreaks havoic on my stomach. Same with asprin, even the coated kinds. So, it's Aleve or nothing. The proverbial rock and a hard place.
Here's what I'm thinking. I'll take the Aleve, and chase it with a glass of red wine, which they say decreases your risks of heart disease. Maybe one will offset the other.
Dagnabit, getting old(er) sucks. Then again, when you consider the alternative... Oh well,I've always had a weakness for Strawberry Hill.
Aleve & Boone's Farm it is.

New Tests!!

I got your test here! Fresh new tests! Come one come all!!




Woohoo am I way cool or what?




On top of being way cool I'm gonna live to be a way cool old geezer too!
Oh wait, come to think of it, 71 isn't that old these days. Maybe I'd better start getting a little more excercise. Maybe eat a little healther. Cut back on the cheeseburgers in paradise.

Two-fer Tuesday

Yes, I know it's a bit late but hey, these days you take what you get from me, when you get it at all...speaking of getting it ...

1. Would your rather be rich or have a great sex life?
......Show me the money!!
2. Who would your rather meet your favorite movie star or the President?
......Do I even need to answer this one? Give me Dubya (alone, no Rove or Cheney) in an empty room for 15 minutes, we'd have a whole new world when I was finished!! Okay it might take longer than 15 minutes. He is a man after all and there would be no sex involved.

A Monday Kind of Mood

It's Monday, I've got nothing of value to say, so I'll pass this along. Not that I believe it for one minute.

I am the Ideal Lover Most people have dreams in their youth that get shattered or worn down with age. They find themselves disappointed by people, events, reality, which cannot match their youthful ideals. Ideal Lovers thrive on people's broken dreams which become lifelong fantasies. You long for romance? Adventure? Lofty spiritual communion? The Ideal Lover reflects your fantasy. He or she is an artist creating the illusion you require. In a world of disenchantment and baseness, there is limitliess seductive power in following the path of the Ideal Lover. Symbol: The Portrait Painter. Under his eye, all of your physical imperfections disappear. He brings out noble qualities in you, frames you in a myth, makes you godlike, immortalises you. For his ability to create such fantasies, he is rewarded with great power.

What Type of Seducer are You?
created by polite_society

Sorry that's all I got for today.

Lies I Tell Myself

I tell myself he'll be alright. Millions of children grow up without a father. With a mother who can't maintain a stable long term relationship. Millions of them. They grow up to become sane, productive, even happy adults. They don't get involved with drugs and drug users and abusers. They go to school, they graduate, they go to college. They survive, despite their miserable childhoods. I tell myself that his going to sleep every night wondering where his Dad is and why he doesn't call or write, much less make any attempt to support him, emotionally or financially, won't leave a whole in his heart that may never be repaired. I tell myself that the stability he sees in his grandparents lives and marriages will show him that people do make commitments and stick to them.
But in those cold dark hours just before the dawn, reality slips in and I know deep in my heart the odds are not in his favor. This precious child that I love so much and feel so helpless to help.
When he was born there was never a child so loved and wanted. He was his parents first child, our first grandchild and his Nana's first grandson. He was beautiful and perfect in every sense of the word. There was a new, bright shinning star in the heavens and his name was Zachary. How we all loved that little brown-eyed baby boy. The pride and joy of both families.
What happened and when? I don't know. Who's to blame? I'm sure there's plenty of blame to go around. Everyone failed. We've all failed this child we promised to love and care for, forever. Some more than others.
The guilt weighs me down. Where did I go wrong? How did I fail to instill in my own son the responsiblity that comes with bringing a child into this world. Not once in all his life did his father or myself ever fail him. No, we weren't perfect parents but we were always there. No matter how hard, no matter what the obstacles we never once thought of running away. Well, maybe we thought about it, but never did we walk out that door. His Dad never walked away, he never gave up. He worked long hard hours to support our family. I was a stay at home Mom for many years. Even when I worked I was there at night for my children. We made the sacrifices that parents make. We did the best we knew how to do. How is it that he cannot carry on that family tradition with his own child?
Does he ever for one moment consider the impact his absense has on his son? Does he ever lay awake at night and weep for that little boy who weeps for him? Dear God who is this man I call my son? Will he ever be the father his son deserves? If he isn't, if he doesn't, will Zachary ever be able to be a happy child or adult? Will the damage done to his heart, his spirt and his mind be enough to destroy his future? That's where the lies come in. I tell myself he'll be alright.
Dear God, how I pray I am right.

I Would Do Anything...
We watched this really good movie last night. The Forgotten with Julianne Moore, I think. I was surprised how good it was. Kind of off the beaten path but good all the same.
After the movie we were sitting around talking and this commercial comes on, I think it's for Dr Pepper. There's this dorky looking young guy going around doing these very unguy like things, buying tampons, helping with the laundry, and so forth. While all the time there's this song playing in the background. I'd heard the song before but didn't really remember who sings it (the kids said its somebody called Meatloaf who was suppose to be big in the late 70's early 80's). Anyway this song playing in the background is saying something like "I would do anything for love..." over and over, then he says, "but I won't do that". So I'm thinking what's the freaking point? Why say you'd do anything for love, when clearly you won't, cause you won't do that . Whatever that is. Which in this case is give up his soda pop. I mean seriously, who in their right mind would say "I'll do anything for love"? I know I wouldn't. Maybe when I was younger I might have done a few crazy things, but not nearly so many anymore. Further more if you won't give up something as simple as a can of soda pop, then you ain't willing to give up much are you?
Speaking of getting older. Okay so maybe I wasn't actually speaking of getting older but it's in there. How weird is it when you discover that the best conversation you've had all week was with your 21 year old son and his 18 year old girlfriend? Who knew kids today could be so smart? And when did I go from being the hot/cool Mom to being the smart Mom ? Should I be happy about that? Or disappointed that college aged boys young men no longer hit on me? Have I become my Mother? Gawd forbid!! Say it ain't so!!

Is It Friday Already?

I can't believe it's already Friday again. Where did this week go? Is it just me or does time seem to be moving at a lightening pace lately? Sometimes I think when I go to sleep I'm going to wake up and discover that I've lost a huge block of time. That did happen to me once back several years ago. I didn't realize it at the time but I was in the throes of a deep depression. I got up one morning or maybe it was afternoon, and discovered it was 3 days later than when I'd gone to bed the night before. Well, what I thought was the night before. I'm sure I must have gotten up to tinkle sometime during that long sleep, but darned if I could remember it. I don't know who was more worried, me or Robert and the kids. That hasn't happened since, but sometimes it seems that way. I can remember my Mother saying time passes quicker as you age. Once again it looks like Mama was right!
Does anyone do the Friday Five anymore? I've lost my link to the site where you get the questions or I'd do it now and them.
Oh well, the weekend is upon us once again. Whatever shall I do? Any suggestions?

ps: Is anyone besides me having problems with blogger and haloscan? Blogger is taking forever to open and about half the blogs I've visited their haloscan comments won't open. Here I am all wound up and ready for my blogabout and blogger and haloscan wanna get all pissy with me! I'm thinking a good butt kicking is in order!

The Big C

The big 'C', I heard

someone call it.

Another just whispered the word.

That we don't even dare to say cancer out loud

Gives it power it doesn't deserve.

So I'm giving that letter new
meaning

And refusing to give in to fear

By reclaiming the power for you and for me

And by saying these words loud and clear:

Let the C be for
Cure and Compassion

Let it stand for the Candles we light,

And a Chorus of voices shouting, You 'Can'!

To all who will take up this fight.

Let the C be for
Cash Contribution

Credit or Check will work, too.

Let it stand for Commitment and Checkups and Cheer,

And the Children Counting on you.

Let it mean that we know our

Creator

Is beside us each step of the way,

And remind us to Call on His strength and His love

And to Celebrate every new day.

To everyone facing this

Challenge,

I say it's a fight we can win.

Tell all who will listen that, starting today,

The C is for Courage, my friend.


I found this over at Luv's Creations . I couldn't resist sharing it with all of you!

Wednesday Woes

I must be coming down with something. I've been feeling achy and tired all day. Hope this is not the pre- game flu show.
Last night on the late night news they were talking about this new program that a few of the big pharmaceutical companies are sponsering. " Together Rx Access is a free savings program that helps eligible participants save approximately 25%-40% (sometimes more) on over 275 brand-name prescription drugs and other prescription products, as well as savings on a wide range of generic drugs." For people like myself, who have no medical insurance and aren't eligible for any kind of medicare program, this sure looks like a Godsend. I checked out their website and it looks pretty legit. I signed up, so fast it woulda made your head spin. Now, hopefully they will send me some more detailed information. I know I could use a bit of help with perscription medications. For what most medicine costs these days I could easily buy a small country. Who knows maybe for once these big drug companies will do something for the consumer.
I'm off to bed. I may not get up until noon tomorrow today. In fact if I don't feel better, maybe not even then!
Ya'll keep it between the lines!

TGI Monday Night

Yep, I'm still alive. Zach was here for the weekend. When he's here he tends to monopolize the computer. He has discovered The Sims . The child loves that game. He can spend hours building houses and making up families.
We had a bit of an adventure today when I took him home. His Mom has a new man and they have moved in with him. Seems they are suppose to be getting married in Febuary. I hope so. Poor Zach. Everytime she mets some guy, Zach gets attached to him then when things don't work out he is crushed all over again. I can't help but worry what the long term affect will be on his attitude toward making commitments in regards to relationships. At least he sees some stability in his grandparents marriages. I digress. I thought I'd take him home, you know, me being Ms Nosy britches and all, so I could see where and how this new guy lives. First of all never rely on a 10 year old to know his way home. Especially when he's had as many as Zach. That boy couldn't find his way out of a brown paper bag. We drove, and drove, and drove for what seemed like forever. When your in the middle of nowhere, everything and nothing looks familiar. I mean all haystacks tend to look pretty much the same. When we finally got to where I had a clear signal I called Amanda and ask her where the devil was I and how did I get from where I was to where she was. After a few more twists and turns I finally found them. Turns out it's a pretty nice spot. Right on a little lake. Lots of neighborhood kids to play with. There's a dog and everything. I sure hope this works out for them. I don't know how much more disappointment poor Zach can take.
Then on the way home I stopped by the store and picked up the fixins for pancakes. Don't know why but I've had a hankerin for them for days. So we had a breakfast type supper. Of course then I had my regular Monday night shows to watch. CSI Miami even had a fresh episode tonight! Will wonders never cease.
I'm tired now so I don't know if I'll get caught up on my blog-about tonight or not. Ya'll hang in there, I'll get around to you eventually!

The Lighter Side

Recently two men were arrested here in Alabama for making jokes about lawyers. Of course they (they being the lawyers and judges) claim it was because the men were disturbing the peace. Fact is everyone was enjoying their good-natured bantering, with the exception of, yep you guessed it, the lawyers.
In their honor (the men who were arrested, NOT the lawyers) I thought I'd post a couple of good ones I heard recently. Hopefully no lawyers will read my blog and have me arrested. If they do, I know yall will bail me out, won't cha?

Q: Hear about the terrorist that hijacked a 747 full of lawyers?
A: He threatened to release one every hour if his demands weren't met.
(canned laughter here....)***
An engineer died and ended up in Hell. He was not pleased with the level of comfort in Hell, and began to redesign and build improvements. After a while, they had toilets that flush, air conditioning, and escalators. Everyone grew very fond of him.
One day God called to Satan to mock him, "So, how's it going down there in Hell?"

Satan replied, "Hey, things are great. We've got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and there's no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next."

God was surprised, "What? You've got an engineer? That's a mistake. He should never have gotten down there in the first place. Send him back up here."

"No way," replied Satan. "I like having an engineer, and I'm keeping him."

God threatened, "Send him back up here now or I'll sue!"

Satan laughed and answered, "Yeah, right. And just where are YOU going to get a lawyer?"

Forgive me, Lord

Have you ever read something that just made you break down and cry? This did it for me...
"Probation in baby's killing"


The mother who killed her 12 year old ( Girl died from bleach ) for having sex, was bad enough, but this one just broke my heart. I sat here and just cried for that poor little baby and what her short life must have been like for her. To think those two people got away with murder is almost more than I can bear. Don't tell me terrorism isn't alive and thriving in the world around us.
I know the world is a big place, and the Lord has his hands full. Still, being only human, I can't help but wonder, "why Lord, why"?

Do SUVs Make You Stupid?

According to Mark Mortford of The San Fransisco Gate ( I assume that's what SF Gate means) driving an SUV makes you stupid.
I don't know about that, but I do know why I drive one. Because I'm scared sheitless of all the fools out there that are diving them too! If that makes me stupid, well heck, I reckon stupid I am and stupid I'll stay. I've been called worse!

TGIF??

I got buttkiss today. Everyone should take a hop over to Mind Diversion and read Brookes post Ordering Pizza in 2008 . It's not only entertaining but it could well be prophetic!
Ya'll have a good one. Weekend that is.

Have Mercy!!



This comes my way via All Things Dunkin' Donuts


"Dunkin' Donuts is following Starbucks' lead by experimenting
with WiFi access in a few Chicago shops and also is considering bringing
music to more locations, said Jon Luther, the chain's chief executive."





Good grief, can you imagine? Coffee, donuts, AND internet? I'd never leave!! They'd have to take out a window to carry out my cold dead and FAT body!!!
Speaking of donuts...

Testing...testing...

I've been feeling these past few days. I decided to channel my creative energies into working on blogskins. I've created two that I think are kind of cute. Now, I'd like to get a second (or third, or fourth ect.) opinion. After all every artist needs critics. Well, needs might be a stretch. Still, I'd appreciate your honest (like anyone would be less than honest) thoughts. Will you check them out for me?

Just Breathe...pg2

Experimental Journey


Please comment here at just breathe...1.
Okay, I'm ready, let-er-rip!

ps: Thanks to Otto for those adorable little mood bears.

Searching....

Update on the idea of changing the name of my blog. Here's one name I won't be changing it to...
Wanda Wisdom

Stand By Your Man

I haven't really paid too much attention to "CBS/Rather-gate". I was't shocked or impressed by incident or the findings of the investigation into it. From the beginning I thought it was much ado about nothing. Dan Rather trusted the people he worked with to provide him with honest and valid information. Much the same as the President trusted people who provided him with information regarding Iraq and weapons of mass destruction. Both men were failed by those they depended upon. I find it odd that there are people who feel Rather and his co-workers should be fired or chastised for their mistakes, yet feel no such action should be taken against the President and his administration. You might say the two are vastly different in their level of importance. You'd be right. One concenerd documents over 30 years old that had no real relevant value. The other concerned information that ultimately led this country into a war that we are still reeling from and where men and women are still dying. No one lost their life over the falsified documents that were pandered about by Rather and CBS. I also find interesting that it was only the documents that were proven to be false, not the information they alleged to. Because in fact the information itself was/is correct. Not much to argue about there.
I agree integrity and accountability should begin at the top. If you are going to hold Dan Rather responsible for the validity of the information provided to him by his co-workers, then I think it is only right and resonable that you hold the President responsible for the information that was provided to him by those in his administration. After all one is but a news journalist, the other is the President. Why should one be held more accountable than the other? Well, one of them is the President. He should be held to the highest standards. That of course is just my opinion.
I can't help but remember Dan Rather on September 11th. As he did his broadcast, more than once he had to wipe away tears. You could see and feel his pain in his voice. He was a man shook to his core by the events he was reporting. Not anywhere did I see such open and honest emotion from a news journalist. There were those who critisized him for that too.
If you really want to know how I feel, then go here.... Winding Road in Urban Area . Jaye says it so much better than I.

Yep That's Us !!

According to ABC News, we, Bloggers are "People of the Year"
Like we didn't already know!!! Yeah baybeeee...
read all about it

Update: If you have any doubt about the power of blogging, take a look at this...
Delegate John Cosgrove will withdraw HB1677 from consideration:

Hindsight

Remember my post Of God and Man ? After reading the following I feel a bit chastisied.
"There is something wrong when religious faiths can be shaken to the core by natural disasters but seem able to reconcile themselves with events such as the war on Iraq which are the result of human folly."

Murial Gray makes an excellent point. I had a good rant about it in my
political blog , so I don't feel like I have to rant here.

"It's A Mad Mad World of God's People on Earth, by Murial Gray:
"One newspaper correspondent pleaded, with unintentional black humor, that "God regularly answers our prayers, including recently saving our son's marriage when it went through a rocky patch, yet He ignores the pleas of thousands who scream for their loved ones lost to the waves. We are in turmoil".
Presumably the author of the letter has never previously considered that while their God was busy divinely intervening to stop their son breaking wind under the duvet without apologizing to his wife, He must also, by implication, have been deaf to the prayers from thousands all over the world, screaming mercy for loved ones blown up by bombs, dying of famine, run down by cars, killed by robbers, fires, disease or poverty. The turmoil the letter writer should be experiencing is how he arrived at being so terminally self-centered and unutterably stupid not to have noticed pain and suffering until it came to his attention in the form of a headline-grabbing tsunami."
read more...

If it's Sunday, I must be in...

Podunt? Still in Podunt! Dagnabit! Calgon take me away !!

Found this over at Lab Kat's .

I'm worth $2,008,211.52! How much are you worth?

Hmm, wonder if I could get a mortgage on myself? I could live quite comfortably with just half that.

Thoughts I'm pondering....I've been thinking about changing the name of my blog. I never really chose "Just Breathe...", it was on a blogskin I used for awhile and it just stuck. I seem to remember when I was using Upsaid, it was something like Dangerously Delusional, which pretty much describes me. Anyway, I've been thinking about it. Any suggestions?

Good Stuff!!

If you should happen to find yourself with some free time, or maybe in the midst of a sleepless night, take yourself over to Brians ( An Audience of One ) and check out his Saturday blog-about. His is one of the best I have seen. There are some really awesome blogs ( I was especially impressed with that Wanda lady's).
Although I didn't see hers mentioned in the blog-about, be sure to check out Becky's blog as well. Does This Blog Make My Butt Look Big , is hands down one of the best blogs I've come across in quite a while.
All in all there's a lot of good reading entertainment over at Brians, and his posts aren't shabby either!

More late night musings

Here I sit again, unable to sleep, pondering the great mysteries of life. NOT!
Well, actually I can't sleep but I've been working on a blogskin for a friend who wants to start her own blog. It's really kind of fun once you get the hang of it. I've already made two for myself for spring.
I see in the news where Andrea Yates is going to have to be re-tried for killing her children. How stupid was it of the prosecution to put some guy on the witness stand to lie? It's not like the jury wouldn't get it . The woman drowned not one, or two but all five of her children. One at a time. What her motivation was can not be that important. Just give the jury the facts, they can figure out the right verdict. Geesh, she's in TEXAS for petes sake. I know THEY can figure out what to do about her. If that sounds cold, so be it. I've had my fill of these women (and men) killing their children, wives, husbands, ect. then claiming "insanity". Screw insaity. If you kill you are going to jail. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Go directly to JAIL. No get outta jail free cards (excuses) either. You do the crime, you do the time! That's the law according to ME .
Whew!! I feel better already. Maybe all I needed was a good old-fashioned rant!

Midnight Musings


I've noticed that as I grow older I find myself turning more and more to religion
and my faith for answers and explanations to the twists and turns of life. Could it be, that as I begin to contemplate my own mortality, I find I need some assurance that this , body of flesh,and bone, is not all there is to me . Am I subconsciously grasping for proof or at least hope, that even as my body fails, my spirit will live on? If so, why? Why do I feel the need to continue on , even after the physical life is over?
Is this much the same as those who in middle age suddenly develop an interest in genealogy? Are they too searching for a connection that cannot be broken even by death?
Why are we not content to live this life to its fullest and when it's over, it's over?
I think about these things late at night when the house is quiet and I cannot sleep.

Filler

The brain well is dry (guess I'm coming down off that high). Here's some filler for ya!

Your Dominant Intelligence is Linguistic Intelligence

You are excellent with words and language. You explain yourself well. An elegant speaker, you can converse well with anyone on the fly. You are also good at remembering information and convicing someone of your point of view. A master of creative phrasing and unique words, you enjoy expanding your vocabulary. You would make a fantastic poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, or translator.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Monday, Monday...

So here it is Monday, and I'm feeling all


bright-eyed, and bushy tailed.


Thinking maybe it's time to do some laundry.

Maybe go through the spin cycle a couple of times. You know just to be sure the clothes are getting enough water spun outta them.
I'm still experiencing this annoying seasonal high, that comes on strong every year about this time. All things are possible. Life is grand. All that crazy stuff that you hear those eternal optimist spouting off all the time. It's like I'm sucking nitrous oxide straight from the can. Yep, it's great to feel so positively, phucking positive , but, I know the edge of the cliff is just around the corner. Maybe not the very next corner , but a corner ahead all the same. On some unmarked road, and I will stumble blindly over the edge,and fall so far it will take a hunting party to find me. I'm thinking maybe I should tie a rope around my waist. I considered leaving a trail of bread crumbs, but heck the the way I'm feeling these days, I'd scarf down the damn things before anyone could use them to find me. This must be the manic part of manic depressive
In the not too distant future I'll be looking more like this

than the bright-eyed bushy tailed happy teddy above. Well minus the great hair and boobs that is.

Of God and Man

This is an excerpt from an ongoing discussion about God, faith, man and their relationship and reactions to the tsunami in Southern Asia. Thanks to David for the refrence to this over at Baylor Fans .

"Perhaps no event in living memory has confronted so many of the world's great religions with such a basic test of faith as the tsunami, which indiscriminately slaughtered Indonesian Muslims, Indian Hindus, Thai and Sri Lankan Buddhists and tourists who were Christians and Jews."
"In temples, mosques, churches and synagogues across the globe, clerics are being
called upon to explain: How could a benevolent God visit such horror on ordinary people?"
It was put eloquently this past week by an old woman in a devastated village in southern India's Tamil Nadu state. "Why did you do this to us, God?" she wailed.
"What did we do to upset you?"
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How often have you heard someone say "I prayed to God, for his protection/care/guidance/help..."? Who do you turn to when God answers "No"? Where was God on that day, as the sea rose up and took the lives and homes of so many? Was he watching from afar? Did he weep? How could he allow this to happen? Then again how can HE allow any tragedy to happen? Little children are murdered at the hands of their parents. Soldiers are killed fighting in wars. Drunk drivers wipe out families in automobile accidents. We pray to God, to intervene when we are faced with a crisis. Where exactly does God draw the line? Why is one child,lost, then found safe, and we say, "angels/God watched over him". Yet another child is lost, never found or found dead. Where were the angels? Where was God for that child? Why one and not the other? Why is one person miraculously saved from the ravages of Cancer/leukemia, ect., while another loses their battle? How do we find a way to sustain our faith when there is so much we do not understand?
Is our faith simply our inability to believe that this life really is all there is ? Do we cling to our faith because we cannot accept that with death we simply cease to exist? I will admit there have been times, when I have wondered, "is my faith in God, my way of coping with the unacceptable finality of death..."?
Is the man who says, "The questions you propose will not resolve anything or lead to productive thinking, they have no useful answers...or at least no answers that would be enlightening or enriching or comforting. Indeed, they might result in some foolish speculation that could end up validating those who are unscathed and condemning those who have suffered." Is he right? Should we simply accept these as tragedies as facts of life and not question why?
What do we say in reply to the likes of Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell, who would suggest that disasters and suffering are punishments from God? What could so many people have done to deserve to die that day? Why there? Why not here in the US?
Then there are those who say, it had nothing to do with God. It was a simple act of nature? Could they be right?
For me, in the end, it comes down to faith . You must have a strong faith in God, and be willing to accept that it is not meant for us to understand all that happens. For we are only humans. The vastness and depth of life's complexities is too much for us to comprehend. Your faith must sustain you.