Apparently our postal service is nearly 3 billion dollars in debt and so the postmaster general went before Congress this week to ask that they be relieved of a requirement to deliver the mail six days a week. They want to cut Saturday delivery and still have have a .02 cent increase. Although, they say it doesn't have to be Saturday's delivery that is cut, they suggested they could cut one of the lighter mail delivery days during the week like a Tuesday.
Apparently mail volume is dwindling and if current trends continue they say they could experience a net loss of 6 billion during this fisal year. They say even continuing rate increases could not keep up with costs and a six day mail delivery may just prove unaffordable in the end.
The thing that struck me about the article I read was that the post office did not have their hand out asking for a bail out. Although, that is one I would gladly vote for--SO SUE ME--I LIKE RECEIVING MY MAIL! Can you believe it though? They are actually looking at ways to cut costs and not asking for someone to just hand them the money to bail them out. That's not only weird--it's unheard of in this day and age.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Weird News--Funny Story!
Oops! Inmates' Escape Stopped By Light Pole
Two handcuffed men flee courthouse only to end up on the ground
Associated Press
updated 5:23 a.m. MT, Thurs., Jan. 29, 2009
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Two prisoners in New Zealand are facing more charges, and major embarrassment over an escape attempt gone bad.
The men were handcuffed together as they fled a courthouse, but apparently forgot that little fact as they ran to opposite sides of a light pole, with predictable results. The men slammed into each other and fell to the ground. End of escape.
Jailers nabbed them as they struggled to their feet. Their escapade on Wednesday was captured by a CCTV camera at Hastings District Court on New Zealand's North Island.
The two were back in court today, facing fresh charges of escaping from custody.
(IDIOTS)
Two handcuffed men flee courthouse only to end up on the ground
Associated Press
updated 5:23 a.m. MT, Thurs., Jan. 29, 2009
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Two prisoners in New Zealand are facing more charges, and major embarrassment over an escape attempt gone bad.
The men were handcuffed together as they fled a courthouse, but apparently forgot that little fact as they ran to opposite sides of a light pole, with predictable results. The men slammed into each other and fell to the ground. End of escape.
Jailers nabbed them as they struggled to their feet. Their escapade on Wednesday was captured by a CCTV camera at Hastings District Court on New Zealand's North Island.
The two were back in court today, facing fresh charges of escaping from custody.
(IDIOTS)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
MY NEW FAVORITE FLAVOR DRINK . . . BACKWASH
Yep, that's right. Carly has decided she's big enough to drink from a cup . . . my cup of course and she's not very good at it. Yay for Mommy! It really doesn't matter what I drink now--it's all backwash. The things you do for your little munchkins!
Poor little thing has her first ear infection along with a sore throat and a cold so she is just miserable. I took her to the doctor today and got some meds for her but they will take a couple of days to kick in. It's just awful when you can't seem to comfort them and you can't explain to them why they are feeling so bad and when it will get better.
I kept Julie home today, too. She wasn't feeling a whole lot better. Although she seems to be doing better tonight. Seems like when one of us gets sick our whole herd catches it. Must be something we're drinking.
Poor little thing has her first ear infection along with a sore throat and a cold so she is just miserable. I took her to the doctor today and got some meds for her but they will take a couple of days to kick in. It's just awful when you can't seem to comfort them and you can't explain to them why they are feeling so bad and when it will get better.
I kept Julie home today, too. She wasn't feeling a whole lot better. Although she seems to be doing better tonight. Seems like when one of us gets sick our whole herd catches it. Must be something we're drinking.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
GOOD REASONS NOT TO TAKE MEN SHOPPING AGAINST THEIR WILL
I got this from a friend today in my email and it's way to funny not to share.
This is why women should not take men shopping against their will.
After I retired 6 months ago, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring so I had to amuse myself in some way while my wife did what most women like to do - browse at a leisurely pace.
Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Wal-Mart:
Dear Mrs. Samsel,
Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against Mr. Samsel are listed below and are documented by
our video surveillance cameras.
1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2 . July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute
intervals.
3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice,'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away.
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.
6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department.
8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him, he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'
9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.
10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.
11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly hummimg the 'Mission Impossible' theme.
12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using
different sizes of funnels.
13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK
ME! PICK ME!'
14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'
And last, but not least .
15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here!'
This is why women should not take men shopping against their will.
After I retired 6 months ago, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring so I had to amuse myself in some way while my wife did what most women like to do - browse at a leisurely pace.
Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Wal-Mart:
Dear Mrs. Samsel,
Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against Mr. Samsel are listed below and are documented by
our video surveillance cameras.
1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2 . July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute
intervals.
3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice,'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away.
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.
6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department.
8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him, he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'
9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.
10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.
11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly hummimg the 'Mission Impossible' theme.
12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using
different sizes of funnels.
13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK
ME! PICK ME!'
14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'
And last, but not least .
15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here!'
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
MY FRIEND IS MOVING FAR AWAY
My friend Taylor came to spend a couple of days with us. She and her family are moving to the midwest in a few weeks and I am really going to miss her. She made my wedding dress and this adorable bonnet for Carly's sealing. She is like a sister to me. Anyway, we had a blast together. I love you Taylor!
Monday, January 26, 2009
DISTURBING STUFF
I’ve been going to comment on the changes being made from the new guy in the whitehouse myself but this says it pretty well. A lot of people were enamored—conservatives included with this man—but I could not see past his policies and his record. Well, conservatives—here it comes to bite us all in the behind. America is about to change forever. This isn’t the CHANGE you were thinking though, when you cast your vote was it. By the way—this is all true stuff. I have gone to the whitehouse website myself and looked all of it up. It’s all part of the President's agenda and announcements. You can see it for yourself. www.whitehouse.gov The information below is provided by the AMERICAN CENTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE—but it came from the horses mouth. Buckle your seatbelts and hold on everyone! Here we go.
________________________________________
If there was any doubt about how aggressively the new President would move to implement his agenda on social and family issues, it vanished on the first full day of his Administration. At 12:01 p.m. Tuesday, literally the instant the transition was official, President Obama's official White House website was updated to reflect new policies favoring abortion and opposing the traditional definition of marriage. The scope of expected changes on these issues looks to be sweeping. A few of the more troubling potential changes to be enacted in the early stages of this Administration are as follows (and can be found on www.whitehouse.gov) :
Life Issues
- Freedom of Choice Act – This legislation would codify Roe v. Wade, and solidify as a fundamental right the ability to use abortion to end a baby's life. This action would have far-reaching ramifications, including:
a. Repeal of informed-consent laws that ensure a woman has full access to information about the abortion procedure she is undergoing.
b. Repeal of parental notification laws that ensure parents are informed when their child requests an abortion.
c. Repeal of the ban on Partial Birth Abortion, a procedure used to partially deliver a baby before killing it.
d. Repeal of laws that protect children who survive abortions. The repeal of these laws will do nothing short of expressly permitting the killing of children who are viable and surviving outside the womb.
- Taxpayer Funding of Abortions – Current policy, known as the Mexico City Policy, stipulates that international non-governmental organizations (NGO's) that receive U.S. Funding must refrain from directly performing abortions. President Obama is expected to immediately reverse this policy, which would have the effect of putting U.S. Taxpayers in the business of supporting abortions.
- Taxpayer Funding of Coercive Abortion – Possibly even more appalling than repeal of the Mexico City Policy is the looming change in how the Kemp-Kaston language will be handled. This language allows the President to withhold funding from foreign entities that participate in coercive abortion. If, as expected, President Obama decides not to implement this authority, the U.S. Taxpayer will begin supporting groups like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which supports the coercive abortion program used to enforce China's one-child policy.
- Increased Taxpayer Funding for Planned Parenthood – Planned Parenthood has requested an increase in Title X family planning funding from $300 million to $700 million. A majority of these funds are directed to Planned Parenthood and used for abortions.
- Taxpayer Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research – Current policy prohibits taxpayer funding for research that requires the destruction of human embryos. There is significant reason to believe that President Obama may reverse this policy despite the fact that overwhelming evidence suggests that there is no scientific advantage to using these embryonic stem cells over the non-controversial adult stem cells.
Family/Social Issues
- Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) – This legislation allows States to define the institution of marriage. If DOMA is repealed, it is going to be significantly more difficult for States to avoid being forced to honor same-sex marriages performed in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
- Hate Crime Legislation – The President is calling for legislation that would provide additional prosecution for crimes deemed to be motivated by hate. This is a dangerous precedent that creates multiple classes of people. Violent crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of the victim. To suggest that one murder is motivated by hate while another is not does not pass intellectual or constitutional muster. This type of legislation also opens the door to the type of thought and speech-based crimes that we are currently fighting internationally at the United Nations and around the world.
Terrorism Issues
- Guantanamo Bay Detention Center - President Obama has already halted the military tribunals that had been taking place at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. All indications are that the President will begin the process of closing that facility, and moving these detainees to locations within the United States for prosecution. I have significant concerns with bringing these dangerous individuals suspected of terrorism onto our shores. It has the potential to compromise our security and further bog down our judicial system.
________________________________________
If there was any doubt about how aggressively the new President would move to implement his agenda on social and family issues, it vanished on the first full day of his Administration. At 12:01 p.m. Tuesday, literally the instant the transition was official, President Obama's official White House website was updated to reflect new policies favoring abortion and opposing the traditional definition of marriage. The scope of expected changes on these issues looks to be sweeping. A few of the more troubling potential changes to be enacted in the early stages of this Administration are as follows (and can be found on www.whitehouse.gov) :
Life Issues
- Freedom of Choice Act – This legislation would codify Roe v. Wade, and solidify as a fundamental right the ability to use abortion to end a baby's life. This action would have far-reaching ramifications, including:
a. Repeal of informed-consent laws that ensure a woman has full access to information about the abortion procedure she is undergoing.
b. Repeal of parental notification laws that ensure parents are informed when their child requests an abortion.
c. Repeal of the ban on Partial Birth Abortion, a procedure used to partially deliver a baby before killing it.
d. Repeal of laws that protect children who survive abortions. The repeal of these laws will do nothing short of expressly permitting the killing of children who are viable and surviving outside the womb.
- Taxpayer Funding of Abortions – Current policy, known as the Mexico City Policy, stipulates that international non-governmental organizations (NGO's) that receive U.S. Funding must refrain from directly performing abortions. President Obama is expected to immediately reverse this policy, which would have the effect of putting U.S. Taxpayers in the business of supporting abortions.
- Taxpayer Funding of Coercive Abortion – Possibly even more appalling than repeal of the Mexico City Policy is the looming change in how the Kemp-Kaston language will be handled. This language allows the President to withhold funding from foreign entities that participate in coercive abortion. If, as expected, President Obama decides not to implement this authority, the U.S. Taxpayer will begin supporting groups like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which supports the coercive abortion program used to enforce China's one-child policy.
- Increased Taxpayer Funding for Planned Parenthood – Planned Parenthood has requested an increase in Title X family planning funding from $300 million to $700 million. A majority of these funds are directed to Planned Parenthood and used for abortions.
- Taxpayer Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research – Current policy prohibits taxpayer funding for research that requires the destruction of human embryos. There is significant reason to believe that President Obama may reverse this policy despite the fact that overwhelming evidence suggests that there is no scientific advantage to using these embryonic stem cells over the non-controversial adult stem cells.
Family/Social Issues
- Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) – This legislation allows States to define the institution of marriage. If DOMA is repealed, it is going to be significantly more difficult for States to avoid being forced to honor same-sex marriages performed in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
- Hate Crime Legislation – The President is calling for legislation that would provide additional prosecution for crimes deemed to be motivated by hate. This is a dangerous precedent that creates multiple classes of people. Violent crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of the victim. To suggest that one murder is motivated by hate while another is not does not pass intellectual or constitutional muster. This type of legislation also opens the door to the type of thought and speech-based crimes that we are currently fighting internationally at the United Nations and around the world.
Terrorism Issues
- Guantanamo Bay Detention Center - President Obama has already halted the military tribunals that had been taking place at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. All indications are that the President will begin the process of closing that facility, and moving these detainees to locations within the United States for prosecution. I have significant concerns with bringing these dangerous individuals suspected of terrorism onto our shores. It has the potential to compromise our security and further bog down our judicial system.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sadie Playing Her Version of Volleyball
This is our oldest dog Sadie. She loves playing with balloons. We caught this one day and thought it was so funny!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
JULIE'S HONOR CHOIR PERFORMANCE
Julie got chosen a few months ago to be in the Utah Junior High Honor Choir. She was one of only eight students from her Junior High school chosen to be a part of this 375 voice choir made up of students from all over Utah. They performed tonight and did a really beautiful job! Julie was one of their altos. We are so proud of her! Here are a few pictures. She's got the long brown hair and the red headband in her hair (green top). We were in the front row so we only got some fairly close up shots--none of the whole choir. The last picture is of the director whom the kids loved! He pulled all the groups together in just a few rehearsals without ever having met them before. He was really great!
Friday, January 23, 2009
GREAT INSIGHT
I received this as an email and agree with it completely. Thought I'd share it.
A GOOD VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR COUNTRY!
'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics.. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God.'
A GOOD VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR COUNTRY!
'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics.. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God.'
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Just a couple things
Julie came home with straight A's today! She is pretty happy and we are darn proud! She has been working hard doing homework this semester so I'm not surprised.
Carly has been teasing me all day. I say "Carly, Say Mama" and she says "DADA!" I say "No, Mama" She goes off on a tangent--"DADA, DADDY,DADDEEE,DADA,DADA,DADA,DADA."
You get the picture. Then she laughs and laughs and laughs. She's not a baby anymore,
she's a comedian.
Carly has been teasing me all day. I say "Carly, Say Mama" and she says "DADA!" I say "No, Mama" She goes off on a tangent--"DADA, DADDY,DADDEEE,DADA,DADA,DADA,DADA."
You get the picture. Then she laughs and laughs and laughs. She's not a baby anymore,
she's a comedian.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
FINALLY, A KENNEDY DOES THE RIGHT THING!
Early in the day today news reports were coming across that Governor Paterson of New York was ready to name the New York senate replacement and that it was most likely going to be Caroline Kennedy. That is what the news was reporting even though New Yorkers sentiments were running like 60/40 in favor of Cuomo getting the job instead of her. But as they reported, the Gov. was under pressure from the new Pres. and the Kennedy clan to give her the job if he wanted to stay in good graces and you know he is coming up for re-election and New York needs all kinds of federal funding, etc. ect., etc.
The reports were making me sick. I'd seen Caroline in interviews and she has no experience whatsoever to be a senator. She also admitted that she has rarely ever even voted in an election! C'mon, give me a break!
Well, Caroline finally did. Congrats Miss Caroline on doing the right thing.
I wouldn't have believed it given your bloodline--but apparently your mother did raise some good kids. Good for her. You withdrew your name today. You knew it wasn't right and you were not prepared. Good on you. I'm pretty sure you are your mother's girl. At the end of the day--I have to say I'm proud of your actions. Not that you care--but I sure do.
The reports were making me sick. I'd seen Caroline in interviews and she has no experience whatsoever to be a senator. She also admitted that she has rarely ever even voted in an election! C'mon, give me a break!
Well, Caroline finally did. Congrats Miss Caroline on doing the right thing.
I wouldn't have believed it given your bloodline--but apparently your mother did raise some good kids. Good for her. You withdrew your name today. You knew it wasn't right and you were not prepared. Good on you. I'm pretty sure you are your mother's girl. At the end of the day--I have to say I'm proud of your actions. Not that you care--but I sure do.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH . . .
for keeping us safe since 9/11. I realize most people want to criticize you for one reason or another, but I really just want to say thank you. I believe you are a good man with a genuine heart and I thank you for your hard work on behalf of what should be a very grateful nation. I believe time and history will show you did your best. Thank you Mr. President and God Bless You.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
SNOW TUBING! WHAT GREAT FUN!
We went snow tubing yesterday at a place about an hour from home. It has a tube lift (like a ski lift) and everything. We went with Rob's brother Steve and his kids and had a really great time. This is the second year we've been and it was so much fun! It's great because you don't have to walk up the hill but you get to ride the tube down it--like you would a sled! Actually, you get to ride the tube up the hill, too. It's just a lot slower. They have a lower hill for the little kids and a much higher one for the big kids. Here's a few pictures from our day. I didn't get any of us coming down the hills--because it would have been so far away you wouldn't have been able to tell it was us anyway.
This is Rob and Julie waiting to go on the tube lift.
Steve, Kaden and Keelie in the tube lift line, too
Keelie on the tube ride.(Like a Merry-Go-Round with tubes)
Rob and I posing--cuz we are great posers!
Rob on the tube lift.
This is Rob and Julie waiting to go on the tube lift.
Steve, Kaden and Keelie in the tube lift line, too
Keelie on the tube ride.(Like a Merry-Go-Round with tubes)
Rob and I posing--cuz we are great posers!
Rob on the tube lift.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Just Hanging Out
Carly likes to hang out with Cassandra. She is like another sister to her--especially with being Megan's best friend and all. She spends a lot of quality time with Carly. She teaches her new songs, plays games with her and really enjoys being around her. Here they are snuggling.
Friday, January 16, 2009
My New Piano Player
Carly has now taken up piano, solo. She doesn't need help anymore. Ain't she cute?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Daddy's Home
They let my Dad go home today. He is doing much better. He is still very tired but other than that he is feeling good. He is going to have some follow up for awhile but hopefully he will be able to return to full health. Yay!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Beautiful Julie
We bought Julie a formal dress a few months ago for future use. One of the stores who sells nice formals here was going out of business and we new she would need one in the next couple of years so we figured it was a good time to take advantage of the sale. Hopefully when she needs it she will: A. still like it and B. still fit into it! She looks really pretty in it though, don't ya think?
PRAYERS WORK!
My Dad had a much better day today. Both procedures went really well. His heart is back in normal rhythm and he doesn't have any blockages at all. They are taking really good care of him. I don't think we really know what caused the problems yet and we may not find out but things are looking good at the moment. Thanks so much for your prayers and support.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
PLEASE PRAY FOR MY DAD
He is in the hospital with some sudden and unexpected heart trouble. The doctors are going to do some serious work on him tomorrow and he needs all the prayers he can get. They still don't know exactly what is causing his troubles but they are hoping they can figure it out through the things they are going to try tomorrow and help him get better. Thanks for your prayers, love and support.
Monday, January 12, 2009
CARLY LOVES HER DADDY SO MUCH!!
Sometimes when Carly is tired or cranky the only thing that will calm her down is putting her on Daddy's shoulders. For some reason, she just loves to be on Rob's shoulders. She pats the top of his head and hugs his head and just settles right down. It doesn't matter whether he is sitting, standing or walking around--as long as she is on his shoulders.
She was exausted the day these pictures were taken and had been throwing a tantrum. We put her on his shoulders and at first she almost fell asleep. Then she woke herself up and got happy. It was really cute. She is a funny girl!
She was exausted the day these pictures were taken and had been throwing a tantrum. We put her on his shoulders and at first she almost fell asleep. Then she woke herself up and got happy. It was really cute. She is a funny girl!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Dead balloon priest wins Darwin Award
A kamikaze Catholic priest who died when he floated out to sea after strapping hundreds of helium balloons to a chair has been honoured posthumously for his act of idiocy after scooping the top prize at the 2008 Darwin Awards.
In April 2008, Brazilian Reverend Adelir Antonio de Carli attempted to break the record for the longest time in-flight using only party balloons. He planned to use the money raised in his attempt to fund a 'spiritual' rest-stop for truckers in grain port of Paranagua.
However, de Carli’s flight ended in tragedy when he drifted out over the Atlantic Ocean at 20,000 feet and disappeared. Although he was able to alert the authorities to his predicament using a mobile phone, the 41-year-old priest will unable to relay his exact location because of his inability to work his satnav device.
Three months after he disappeared, Father de Carli’s body was found by sailors off the coast of south-east Brazil.
But now, thanks to the infamous Darwin Awards, his fateful flight will be forever remembered. Thanks to his unorthodox demise, de Carli was posthumously named the 2008Darwin Award Winner, the award given to the Darwin nominee whose unfortunate actions are chosen as being much more worthy of honour than the rest.
Amazingly, Father de Carli was not a runaway winner at the 2008 Darwins. He narrowly edged out 68-year-old Ivece Plattner, an Italian man who died running towards an express train waving his arms after his sports car stalled on a level crossing.
You can read more at the actual Darwin Awards website:
http://www.darwinawards.com Enjoy!
In April 2008, Brazilian Reverend Adelir Antonio de Carli attempted to break the record for the longest time in-flight using only party balloons. He planned to use the money raised in his attempt to fund a 'spiritual' rest-stop for truckers in grain port of Paranagua.
However, de Carli’s flight ended in tragedy when he drifted out over the Atlantic Ocean at 20,000 feet and disappeared. Although he was able to alert the authorities to his predicament using a mobile phone, the 41-year-old priest will unable to relay his exact location because of his inability to work his satnav device.
Three months after he disappeared, Father de Carli’s body was found by sailors off the coast of south-east Brazil.
But now, thanks to the infamous Darwin Awards, his fateful flight will be forever remembered. Thanks to his unorthodox demise, de Carli was posthumously named the 2008Darwin Award Winner, the award given to the Darwin nominee whose unfortunate actions are chosen as being much more worthy of honour than the rest.
Amazingly, Father de Carli was not a runaway winner at the 2008 Darwins. He narrowly edged out 68-year-old Ivece Plattner, an Italian man who died running towards an express train waving his arms after his sports car stalled on a level crossing.
You can read more at the actual Darwin Awards website:
http://www.darwinawards.com Enjoy!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
PAMPER THE MAMA AND EVERYONE IS HAPPY!
I got pampered today and I liked it. I finally used a gift certificate hubby gave me for Mother's day last year for a massage and pedicure. Megan watched Carly for me and I had a nice hour long massage and a great pedicure. It was terrific! Of course, no namby pamby massage for me. I had her work me hard to get out the hot spots for my migraines so of course that makes me a little nauseous for a few hours afterward--but it was well worth it. I feel much better now. Yay!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Megan's Existential Pose
This is Megan's favorite pose--and one that made the photographer laugh outloud. I'm still not sure what I think about it--but, it's one for posterity now!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
GOOD INFO TO KNOW
I didn't write this, someone else did but it's information I didn't know and it's valuable enough to me I thought I'd place it on my blog just in case others didn't know as well. I'm pretty challenged when it comes to technical things like computers and the Internet. Maybe you're not--but if this is helpful I will have done my good deed for the day!
HTTP VS HTTPS
Maybe you already knew this, but I thought it was important enough to send even if you already know. I didn't know this. The main difference between http:// and https:// is It's all about keeping you secure**
HTTP stands for HyperText Transport Protocol, which is just a fancy way of saying it's a protocol (a language, in a manner of speaking) for information to be passed between web servers and clients.
The important thing is the letter S which makes the difference between HTTP and HTTPS.
The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure". If you visit a website or webpage, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the following: http://.
This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular 'unsecure' language. Which means it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the website. If you complete a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site.
This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in an http website! But if the web address begins with https://, that basically means your computer is talking to the website in a secure code that no one can eavesdrop on.
You understand why this is so important, right?
If a website asks you to enter your credit card information, you should automatically look to see if the web address begins with https://. If it doesn't, there's no way you're going to enter sensitive information like a credit card number.
HTTP VS HTTPS
Maybe you already knew this, but I thought it was important enough to send even if you already know. I didn't know this. The main difference between http:// and https:// is It's all about keeping you secure**
HTTP stands for HyperText Transport Protocol, which is just a fancy way of saying it's a protocol (a language, in a manner of speaking) for information to be passed between web servers and clients.
The important thing is the letter S which makes the difference between HTTP and HTTPS.
The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure". If you visit a website or webpage, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the following: http://.
This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular 'unsecure' language. Which means it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the website. If you complete a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site.
This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in an http website! But if the web address begins with https://, that basically means your computer is talking to the website in a secure code that no one can eavesdrop on.
You understand why this is so important, right?
If a website asks you to enter your credit card information, you should automatically look to see if the web address begins with https://. If it doesn't, there's no way you're going to enter sensitive information like a credit card number.
GO NORM, GO!
No effort to seat Franken in Senate Tuesday
Incumbent Coleman vows lawsuit in dispute over Minnesota race
MINNEAPOLIS - The morning after the Nov. 4 election, Norm Coleman stood before TV cameras, declared victory in Minnesota's U.S. Senate election and said that if he were opponent Al Franken he'd "step back."
Two months later, Coleman finds himself down by nearly the same margin he appeared to hold over Franken that day. His lawyers said Coleman — who later expressed regret at that post-election remark — is not ready to step back, promising a lawsuit that's likely to keep the race in limbo for several more months.
Minnesota's Canvassing Board on Monday certified that Democrat Franken won 225 more votes than Republican Coleman, out of almost 3 million cast. Franken took his own opportunity to declare himself the victor.
"I am proud to stand before you as the next senator from Minnesota," the former "Saturday Night Live" personality told reporters in brief remarks outside his downtown Minneapolis condominium.
But Franken's ability to claim the seat immediately is in doubt. Minnesota law prohibits final certification of a winner until a legal challenge is resolved, and Senate Republicans have indicated they would filibuster if necessary to block Franken from participating when new senators are sworn in Tuesday.
Franken took no questions during his brief appearance Monday, and his campaign aides refused to reveal if he would be in Washington on Tuesday to try to participate in the swearing-in. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said there would not be any effort to seat Franken on Tuesday.
Coleman, whose term in office ended on Saturday, was in Washington when the Canvassing Board declared him the loser of the recount. His campaign said he would speak publicly in Minnesota on Tuesday.
The Canvassing Board's certification of the recount results started a seven-day clock for Coleman to file a lawsuit. His attorney, Tony Trimble, said Monday afternoon that the challenge would be filed within 24 hours.
"This process isn't at an end," Trimble said. "It is now just at the beginning."
When the smoke cleared after the election, Coleman appeared to hold a 215-vote lead. But Franken made up the deficit over seven tortuous weeks of ballot-sifting, in part by prevailing on more challenges that both campaigns brought to thousands of ballots.
Franken also did better than Coleman when election officials opened and counted more than 900 absentee ballots that had erroneously been disqualified on Election Day.
Coleman's lawyers have argued that some ballots were mishandled and others were wrongly excluded from the recount, giving Franken an unfair advantage. Such claims are likely to be a major feature of any lawsuit.
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, a Democrat, was careful to note that the board was simply signing off on the numbers found by the recount: Franken, with 1,212,431 votes, and Coleman, with 1,212,206 votes.
"We're not doing anything today that declares winners or losers or anything to that effect," Ritchie said.
All five members of the canvassing board — Ritchie, plus two state Supreme Court justices and two Ramsey County judges — voted to accept the recount results. And the four judges, including two appointees of Republican governors, praised Ritchie and his staff as being fair and diligent.
A lawsuit would extend the fight over the seat for months. Any court case would open doors closed to the campaigns during the administrative recount. They would be able to access voter rolls, inspect machines and get testimony from election workers.
The case would fall to a three-judge panel picked by Chief Justice Eric Magnuson of the Supreme Court. Magnuson served on the Canvassing Board, but declined to say Monday if he would remove himself from the selection process as a result. Magnuson was an appointee of Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Costs of the election lawsuit fall to the campaigns. But there is a provision in state law that exposes the government to costs if prior results are reversed due to an irregularity in election procedure. (AP Press)
AS FOR ME--I'M THRILLED NORM COLEMAN IS WILLING TO TAKE ON THESE CHICAGO-MACHINE-LIKE ANIMALS WHO ARE TRYING THEIR BEST TO STEAL HIS WIN! I SAY "GO, FIGHT, WIN NORM!"
Incumbent Coleman vows lawsuit in dispute over Minnesota race
MINNEAPOLIS - The morning after the Nov. 4 election, Norm Coleman stood before TV cameras, declared victory in Minnesota's U.S. Senate election and said that if he were opponent Al Franken he'd "step back."
Two months later, Coleman finds himself down by nearly the same margin he appeared to hold over Franken that day. His lawyers said Coleman — who later expressed regret at that post-election remark — is not ready to step back, promising a lawsuit that's likely to keep the race in limbo for several more months.
Minnesota's Canvassing Board on Monday certified that Democrat Franken won 225 more votes than Republican Coleman, out of almost 3 million cast. Franken took his own opportunity to declare himself the victor.
"I am proud to stand before you as the next senator from Minnesota," the former "Saturday Night Live" personality told reporters in brief remarks outside his downtown Minneapolis condominium.
But Franken's ability to claim the seat immediately is in doubt. Minnesota law prohibits final certification of a winner until a legal challenge is resolved, and Senate Republicans have indicated they would filibuster if necessary to block Franken from participating when new senators are sworn in Tuesday.
Franken took no questions during his brief appearance Monday, and his campaign aides refused to reveal if he would be in Washington on Tuesday to try to participate in the swearing-in. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said there would not be any effort to seat Franken on Tuesday.
Coleman, whose term in office ended on Saturday, was in Washington when the Canvassing Board declared him the loser of the recount. His campaign said he would speak publicly in Minnesota on Tuesday.
The Canvassing Board's certification of the recount results started a seven-day clock for Coleman to file a lawsuit. His attorney, Tony Trimble, said Monday afternoon that the challenge would be filed within 24 hours.
"This process isn't at an end," Trimble said. "It is now just at the beginning."
When the smoke cleared after the election, Coleman appeared to hold a 215-vote lead. But Franken made up the deficit over seven tortuous weeks of ballot-sifting, in part by prevailing on more challenges that both campaigns brought to thousands of ballots.
Franken also did better than Coleman when election officials opened and counted more than 900 absentee ballots that had erroneously been disqualified on Election Day.
Coleman's lawyers have argued that some ballots were mishandled and others were wrongly excluded from the recount, giving Franken an unfair advantage. Such claims are likely to be a major feature of any lawsuit.
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, a Democrat, was careful to note that the board was simply signing off on the numbers found by the recount: Franken, with 1,212,431 votes, and Coleman, with 1,212,206 votes.
"We're not doing anything today that declares winners or losers or anything to that effect," Ritchie said.
All five members of the canvassing board — Ritchie, plus two state Supreme Court justices and two Ramsey County judges — voted to accept the recount results. And the four judges, including two appointees of Republican governors, praised Ritchie and his staff as being fair and diligent.
A lawsuit would extend the fight over the seat for months. Any court case would open doors closed to the campaigns during the administrative recount. They would be able to access voter rolls, inspect machines and get testimony from election workers.
The case would fall to a three-judge panel picked by Chief Justice Eric Magnuson of the Supreme Court. Magnuson served on the Canvassing Board, but declined to say Monday if he would remove himself from the selection process as a result. Magnuson was an appointee of Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Costs of the election lawsuit fall to the campaigns. But there is a provision in state law that exposes the government to costs if prior results are reversed due to an irregularity in election procedure. (AP Press)
AS FOR ME--I'M THRILLED NORM COLEMAN IS WILLING TO TAKE ON THESE CHICAGO-MACHINE-LIKE ANIMALS WHO ARE TRYING THEIR BEST TO STEAL HIS WIN! I SAY "GO, FIGHT, WIN NORM!"
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
TOP TEN DUMBEST CRIMINALS (ON SOMEONE'S LIST)
It's actually pretty funny! Enjoy.
RUNNER-UP #9
Yankton, South Dakota: A woman was arrested at her step son's Boy Scout meeting. While watching a policeman demonstrate his drug dog's ability, the dog found a bag of grass in her purse.
RUNNER-UP #8
Colorado Springs: A guy walked into a little corner store with a shotgun and demanded all the cash from the cash drawer. After the cashier put the cash in a bag, the robber saw a bottle of scotch that he wanted behind the counter on the shelf. He told the cashier to put it in the bag as well, but he refused and said "Because I don't believe you are over 21." The robber said he was, but the clerk still refused to give it to him because he didn't believe him. At this point the robber took his drivers license out of his wallet and gave it to the clerk. The clerk looked it over, and agreed that the man was in fact over 21 and he put the scotch in the bag. The robber then ran from the store with his loot. The cashier promptly called the police and gave the name and address of the robber that he got off the license. They arrested the robber two hours later.
RUNNER-UP #7
A woman was reporting her car as stolen, and mentioned that there was a car phone in it. The policeman taking the report called the phone and told the guy that answered that he had read the ad in the newspaper and wanted to buy the car. They arranged to meet, and the thief was arrested.
RUNNER-UP #6
San Francisco: A man, wanting to rob a downtown Bank of America, walked into the branch and wrote "this iz a stikkup. Put all your muny in this bag." While standing in line, waiting to give his note to the teller, he began to worry that someone had seen him write the note and might call the police before he reached the teller window. So he left the Bank of America and crossed the street to Wells Fargo. After waiting a few minutes in line, he handed his note to the Wells Fargo teller. She read it and, surmising from his spelling errors that he was not the brightest light in the harbor, told him that she could not accept his stickup note because it was written on a Bank of America deposit slip and that he would either have to fill out a Wells Fargo deposit slip or go back to Bank of America. Looking somewhat defeated, the man said "OK" and left. The Wells Fargo teller then called the police who arrested the man a few minutes later, as he was waiting in line back at Bank of America.
RUNNER-UP #5
From England: A motorist was unknowingly caught in an automated speed trap that measured his speed using radar and photographed his car. He later received in the mail a ticket for 40 Pounds and a photo of his car. Instead of payment, he sent the police department a photograph of 40 Pounds. Several days later, he received a letter from the police that contained another picture...of handcuffs. The motorist promptly sent the money for the fine.
RUNNER-UP #4
Drug Possession Defendant Christopher Jansen, on trial in March in Pontiac, Michigan, said he had been searched without a warrant. The prosecutor said the officer didn't need a warrant because a "bulge" in Christopher's jacket could have been a gun. "Nonsense," said Christopher, who happened to be wearing the same jacket that day in court. He handed it over so the judge could see it. The judge discovered a packet of cocaine in the pocket and laughed so hard he required a five minute recess to compose himself.
RUNNER-UP #3
Oklahoma City: Dennis Newton was on trial for the armed robbery of a convenience store in district court when he fired his lawyer. Assistant district attorney Larry Jones said Newton, 47, was doing a fair job of defending himself until the store manager testified that Newton was the robber. Newton jumped up, accused the woman of lying and then said, "I should of blown your (expletive) head off." The defendant paused, then quickly added, "If I'd been the one that was there." The jury took 20 minutes to convict Newton and recommended a 30-year sentence.
RUNNER-UP #2
Detroit: R.C. Gaitlan, 21, walked up to two patrol officers who were showing their squad car computer felon-location equipment to children in a Detroit neighborhood. When he asked how the system worked, the officer asked him for identification. Gaitlan gave them his drivers license, they entered it into the computer, and moments later they arrested Gaitlan because information on the screen showed Gaitlan was wanted for a two-year-old armed robbery in St. Louis, Missouri.
RUNNER-UP #1
Another from Detroit: A pair of Michigan robbers entered a record shop nervously waving revolvers. The first one shouted, "Nobody move!" When his partner moved, the startled first bandit shot him.
AND THE WINNER IS:
A Charlotte, NC, man having purchased a case of very rare, very expensive cigars, insured them against fire among other things. Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of cigars and without having made even his first premium payment on the policy, the man filed a claim against the insurance company. In his claim, the man stated the cigars were lost "in a series of small fires." The insurance company refused to pay, citing the obvious reason that the man had consumed the cigars in the normal fashion. The man sued....and won. In delivering the ruling the judge agreeing that the claim was frivolous, stated nevertheless that the man held a policy from the company in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and also guaranteed that it would insure against fire, without defining what it considered to be "unacceptable fire," and was obligated to pay the claim. Rather than endure a lengthy and costly appeal process the insurance company accepted the ruling and paid the man $15,000 for the rare cigars he lost in "the fires." After the man cashed the check, however, the company had him arrested on 24 counts of arson. With his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case being used against him, the man was convicted of intentionally burning his insured property and sentenced to 24 months in jail and a $24,000 fine.
RUNNER-UP #9
Yankton, South Dakota: A woman was arrested at her step son's Boy Scout meeting. While watching a policeman demonstrate his drug dog's ability, the dog found a bag of grass in her purse.
RUNNER-UP #8
Colorado Springs: A guy walked into a little corner store with a shotgun and demanded all the cash from the cash drawer. After the cashier put the cash in a bag, the robber saw a bottle of scotch that he wanted behind the counter on the shelf. He told the cashier to put it in the bag as well, but he refused and said "Because I don't believe you are over 21." The robber said he was, but the clerk still refused to give it to him because he didn't believe him. At this point the robber took his drivers license out of his wallet and gave it to the clerk. The clerk looked it over, and agreed that the man was in fact over 21 and he put the scotch in the bag. The robber then ran from the store with his loot. The cashier promptly called the police and gave the name and address of the robber that he got off the license. They arrested the robber two hours later.
RUNNER-UP #7
A woman was reporting her car as stolen, and mentioned that there was a car phone in it. The policeman taking the report called the phone and told the guy that answered that he had read the ad in the newspaper and wanted to buy the car. They arranged to meet, and the thief was arrested.
RUNNER-UP #6
San Francisco: A man, wanting to rob a downtown Bank of America, walked into the branch and wrote "this iz a stikkup. Put all your muny in this bag." While standing in line, waiting to give his note to the teller, he began to worry that someone had seen him write the note and might call the police before he reached the teller window. So he left the Bank of America and crossed the street to Wells Fargo. After waiting a few minutes in line, he handed his note to the Wells Fargo teller. She read it and, surmising from his spelling errors that he was not the brightest light in the harbor, told him that she could not accept his stickup note because it was written on a Bank of America deposit slip and that he would either have to fill out a Wells Fargo deposit slip or go back to Bank of America. Looking somewhat defeated, the man said "OK" and left. The Wells Fargo teller then called the police who arrested the man a few minutes later, as he was waiting in line back at Bank of America.
RUNNER-UP #5
From England: A motorist was unknowingly caught in an automated speed trap that measured his speed using radar and photographed his car. He later received in the mail a ticket for 40 Pounds and a photo of his car. Instead of payment, he sent the police department a photograph of 40 Pounds. Several days later, he received a letter from the police that contained another picture...of handcuffs. The motorist promptly sent the money for the fine.
RUNNER-UP #4
Drug Possession Defendant Christopher Jansen, on trial in March in Pontiac, Michigan, said he had been searched without a warrant. The prosecutor said the officer didn't need a warrant because a "bulge" in Christopher's jacket could have been a gun. "Nonsense," said Christopher, who happened to be wearing the same jacket that day in court. He handed it over so the judge could see it. The judge discovered a packet of cocaine in the pocket and laughed so hard he required a five minute recess to compose himself.
RUNNER-UP #3
Oklahoma City: Dennis Newton was on trial for the armed robbery of a convenience store in district court when he fired his lawyer. Assistant district attorney Larry Jones said Newton, 47, was doing a fair job of defending himself until the store manager testified that Newton was the robber. Newton jumped up, accused the woman of lying and then said, "I should of blown your (expletive) head off." The defendant paused, then quickly added, "If I'd been the one that was there." The jury took 20 minutes to convict Newton and recommended a 30-year sentence.
RUNNER-UP #2
Detroit: R.C. Gaitlan, 21, walked up to two patrol officers who were showing their squad car computer felon-location equipment to children in a Detroit neighborhood. When he asked how the system worked, the officer asked him for identification. Gaitlan gave them his drivers license, they entered it into the computer, and moments later they arrested Gaitlan because information on the screen showed Gaitlan was wanted for a two-year-old armed robbery in St. Louis, Missouri.
RUNNER-UP #1
Another from Detroit: A pair of Michigan robbers entered a record shop nervously waving revolvers. The first one shouted, "Nobody move!" When his partner moved, the startled first bandit shot him.
AND THE WINNER IS:
A Charlotte, NC, man having purchased a case of very rare, very expensive cigars, insured them against fire among other things. Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of cigars and without having made even his first premium payment on the policy, the man filed a claim against the insurance company. In his claim, the man stated the cigars were lost "in a series of small fires." The insurance company refused to pay, citing the obvious reason that the man had consumed the cigars in the normal fashion. The man sued....and won. In delivering the ruling the judge agreeing that the claim was frivolous, stated nevertheless that the man held a policy from the company in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and also guaranteed that it would insure against fire, without defining what it considered to be "unacceptable fire," and was obligated to pay the claim. Rather than endure a lengthy and costly appeal process the insurance company accepted the ruling and paid the man $15,000 for the rare cigars he lost in "the fires." After the man cashed the check, however, the company had him arrested on 24 counts of arson. With his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case being used against him, the man was convicted of intentionally burning his insured property and sentenced to 24 months in jail and a $24,000 fine.
IS ANYONE ELSE WATCHING THE THEFT OF THE MINNESOTA SENATE ELECTION? IT MAKES ME JUST PLAIN OLD MAD!
And for those of you who want to respond by saying "Well, George Bush stole the election eight years ago . . ." I will tell you to give that dumb old song a rest and-- add that just by saying that it proves you believe Al Franken and the Dems are stealing this rightfully won election! The only reason they are doing it is because they now have the power to do it! Do I sound mad?! Good. Because I am. This recount has been nothing but a bunch of political BUNK padding pretend votes for him where there weren't any. ARRGGHH! What a load of CRAP! Just wish this venting made me feel better seating a man like Al Franken.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
MORE WEIRD NEWS FROM THE WACKY, STRANGE AND DANGEROUS
A News of the Weird Classic (column of April 28, 1989)
In 1983, convicted South Carolina murderer Michael Godwin, then 22, succeeded in getting an appeals court to reduce his death-by-electric-chair sentence to one of life in prison at the Central Correctional Institution in Columbia, S.C. Six years later, in March 1989, while sitting naked on a metal toilet and attempting to fix earphones that were connected to a television set, Godwin bit into a wire and was electrocuted.
In 1983, convicted South Carolina murderer Michael Godwin, then 22, succeeded in getting an appeals court to reduce his death-by-electric-chair sentence to one of life in prison at the Central Correctional Institution in Columbia, S.C. Six years later, in March 1989, while sitting naked on a metal toilet and attempting to fix earphones that were connected to a television set, Godwin bit into a wire and was electrocuted.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Wow, I'm a little slow on the uptake. I just realized I hadn't even thought to say Happy New Year! Of course, we celebrated it like every other old married couple I know . . . in bed by 10:30 p.m. give or take a few minutes. We did let Julie stay up until midnight but we sure weren't interested in seeing any dumb old ball drop. I just wanted my eye lids to drop.
In that sense, I think I was born old. Ask my mom if you don't believe me. I used to fall asleep anywhere we were--sometimes mid-sentence--in a corner, behind a chair, in a big old dark, scary courthouse. (Not that my family would ever go home and leave me there asleep alone there or anything! Ye gads!) At least they remembered me and got back there before I woke up and realized it!
Well anyway, here's to a terrific New Year to all!
In that sense, I think I was born old. Ask my mom if you don't believe me. I used to fall asleep anywhere we were--sometimes mid-sentence--in a corner, behind a chair, in a big old dark, scary courthouse. (Not that my family would ever go home and leave me there asleep alone there or anything! Ye gads!) At least they remembered me and got back there before I woke up and realized it!
Well anyway, here's to a terrific New Year to all!
Friday, January 2, 2009
From the Weird News Files
Thousands of shoes tie up Miami freeway traffic
MIAMI (AP) -- State troopers are looking for a charity to take thousands of shoes that were dumped on a Miami expressway, tying up rush hour traffic. Lt. Pat Santangelo says the Florida Highway Patrol received a call about the shoes Friday morning.
Santangelo says he's not sure where the shoes came from. There were no signs of a crash and no one stopped to claim them. He says he hopes someone will take them because he doesn't want to send them to the dump.
Workers using a front-end loader and a dump truck were able to quickly clear at least one lane by sweeping all the shoes to shoulder, but delays were expected until they could all be removed.
MIAMI (AP) -- State troopers are looking for a charity to take thousands of shoes that were dumped on a Miami expressway, tying up rush hour traffic. Lt. Pat Santangelo says the Florida Highway Patrol received a call about the shoes Friday morning.
Santangelo says he's not sure where the shoes came from. There were no signs of a crash and no one stopped to claim them. He says he hopes someone will take them because he doesn't want to send them to the dump.
Workers using a front-end loader and a dump truck were able to quickly clear at least one lane by sweeping all the shoes to shoulder, but delays were expected until they could all be removed.
Carly is Still Not Feeling Good
My poor little pumpkin is still sick. She is keeping fluids down and a bit of food here and there but she is just plain punk. I wish I could do something to make her feel better. Just a little update for those of you who check-in. I'll keep you posted.
Didn't Sleep Much Last Night
My mind was a whir with a myriad of thoughts. I kept waking up and writing them on a list so I could just let them go and take care of them in the morning. I thought that would help me go back to sleep. It usually does if I can just get things off my brainload. Not so, last night. I just kept finding more things to think about, worry about, be grateful for. Here's a random one:
Rob and I just got new glasses. We picked them up this week so I guess that's why this was on my mind. I always have to pay extra to have my coke-bottle thick lenses thinned to a nice magnifying-glass thin look--you know so they are completely inconspicuous. I don't want people to see my eyeballs coming before they see me coming . . . that would just be wrong.
Anyway, I digress. I started thinking last night about the mere fact that in my lifetime they have been able to design a way to change the heavy thick embarrassing lens and frame I used to wear that while it miraculously enabled me to see told everyone I was nearly blind and very unattractive.
Of course, my thinking and gratitude mined deeper than that. I realize that I am either legally blind or very close to it without glasses. I certainly couldn't drive or even see very far in front of me clearly. I started thinking back to those who first found ways to help us see in the first place. I know those miracles were given to us by a loving Father in Heaven. I just started realizing them in terms of my own life and the time I got here on earth. Those miracles were already in place and I am so blessed for that. I could have lived in a time when I really suffered for my lack of sight . . . when there were no spectacles, no magnifying glasses -- no aids at all to assist those with trouble seeing. The term "left in the dark" came from somewhere. I'm so glad to be in the seeing world--and especially at a time when there are such things as contact lenses so I can be seen as equal to those who are sighted without even a hint of my handicap.
I find myself grateful for those who studied and worked to accomplish miracles in all kinds of technologies and commodities from electricity to toilet paper. I mean, think about it--where would we be without some of the simple necessities we have. Somewhat random thoughts, I know. I am grateful nonetheless.
Rob and I just got new glasses. We picked them up this week so I guess that's why this was on my mind. I always have to pay extra to have my coke-bottle thick lenses thinned to a nice magnifying-glass thin look--you know so they are completely inconspicuous. I don't want people to see my eyeballs coming before they see me coming . . . that would just be wrong.
Anyway, I digress. I started thinking last night about the mere fact that in my lifetime they have been able to design a way to change the heavy thick embarrassing lens and frame I used to wear that while it miraculously enabled me to see told everyone I was nearly blind and very unattractive.
Of course, my thinking and gratitude mined deeper than that. I realize that I am either legally blind or very close to it without glasses. I certainly couldn't drive or even see very far in front of me clearly. I started thinking back to those who first found ways to help us see in the first place. I know those miracles were given to us by a loving Father in Heaven. I just started realizing them in terms of my own life and the time I got here on earth. Those miracles were already in place and I am so blessed for that. I could have lived in a time when I really suffered for my lack of sight . . . when there were no spectacles, no magnifying glasses -- no aids at all to assist those with trouble seeing. The term "left in the dark" came from somewhere. I'm so glad to be in the seeing world--and especially at a time when there are such things as contact lenses so I can be seen as equal to those who are sighted without even a hint of my handicap.
I find myself grateful for those who studied and worked to accomplish miracles in all kinds of technologies and commodities from electricity to toilet paper. I mean, think about it--where would we be without some of the simple necessities we have. Somewhat random thoughts, I know. I am grateful nonetheless.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Check Out This Neat Story! I Love It!
A mixed-race couple who had one black and one white twin daughter seven years ago have described how they defied the odds and did it again.
Dean Durrant, 33, and Alison Spooner, 27, of Fleet, Hampshire, have had another set of twin girls with different coloured skin. Miya has her father's black skin and Leah is white like her mother. The couple's first set of twins arrived in 2001, with blue-eyed, red-haired Lauren taking after her mother while Hayleigh has black skin and hair like her father.
Ms Spooner told Sky News: "I honestly didn't think it would happen again. "I thought we would have two the same - and I didn't think we'd have twins again for a start. That was a shock," she said.
The couple tried to put a bet on just in case but say bookies William Hill refused because the did not have the medical knowledge to offer them odds. Rupert Adams, a spokesman for William Hill, said some novelty bets are difficult to offer fair odds on. However, the bookies will try and offer a price if the couple want to make it third time lucky. "If they came to us again saying they would try for another set, we'd give them odds of 10,000 to one," he said.
Miya and Leah were delivered by Caesarean section at Frimley Park Hospital, in Surrey, at just 37 weeks of pregnancy after scans revealed both babies were in the breech position.
Hayleigh and Lauren
Mr. Durrant said he began to suspect they were different colours when second-born Miya arrived. He explained: "I was sure in my mind there was a difference but I didn't think it was as much as with Hayleigh and Lauren but obviously it is."
The babies were taken to a special care unit because they were not breathing properly so it took five days for the parents to see them side by side.
"It's amazing," Mr Durrant added. "I think I'm still in shock."
Dean Durrant, 33, and Alison Spooner, 27, of Fleet, Hampshire, have had another set of twin girls with different coloured skin. Miya has her father's black skin and Leah is white like her mother. The couple's first set of twins arrived in 2001, with blue-eyed, red-haired Lauren taking after her mother while Hayleigh has black skin and hair like her father.
Ms Spooner told Sky News: "I honestly didn't think it would happen again. "I thought we would have two the same - and I didn't think we'd have twins again for a start. That was a shock," she said.
The couple tried to put a bet on just in case but say bookies William Hill refused because the did not have the medical knowledge to offer them odds. Rupert Adams, a spokesman for William Hill, said some novelty bets are difficult to offer fair odds on. However, the bookies will try and offer a price if the couple want to make it third time lucky. "If they came to us again saying they would try for another set, we'd give them odds of 10,000 to one," he said.
Miya and Leah were delivered by Caesarean section at Frimley Park Hospital, in Surrey, at just 37 weeks of pregnancy after scans revealed both babies were in the breech position.
Hayleigh and Lauren
Mr. Durrant said he began to suspect they were different colours when second-born Miya arrived. He explained: "I was sure in my mind there was a difference but I didn't think it was as much as with Hayleigh and Lauren but obviously it is."
The babies were taken to a special care unit because they were not breathing properly so it took five days for the parents to see them side by side.
"It's amazing," Mr Durrant added. "I think I'm still in shock."
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