Only in America.....

Only in America ......do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

Only in America .......do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.

Only in America ......do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

Only in America .....do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

Only in America.......do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.

Only in America ......do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

EVER WONDER ...Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?

Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?

Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?

Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?

Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

2009!!

So many memories from 2008, some not so good, but who wants to remember those...mostly for me they were good. That's what life's about, making memories, experiencing the good with the bad and growing from there, knowing limitations, taking responsibility, drawing from inner strength that is there but needs awakening every once in a while, all that kind of stuff! I'm still realizing and learning this even in my old years.

Mostly, I'm thankful for my family, that we all made it through 2008. I'm thankful for everything my mom and dad have done for me, without them I think I would've just laid down and gave up - - I could've done that so many times, especially in the last year. But they're always there to pick me up and give me a shove (shove me around) ha! I've drawn on that strength a lot! Thankful for my sisters, when worse comes to worse we all know that we can call on each other for motivation, moral boosts, laughs, etc.

I can never thank my ex-husband enough for Emma and Gary! I am very thankful that I was left with the responsibility and the privilege of raising them even though I've questioned my ability to raise a son many, many times, having no experience what-so-ever dealing with boys. I see what kind of young man he is becoming, he has a huge capacity for caring about people even though on the surface it seems like it's 'all about him'.

Even though this post is a little deeper than usual, I'm hoping that 2008 blends into 2009 with ease ....and that my family stays stronger than ever!!

Eve of New Year's Eve....

I really can't believe an entire year has passed. It was one year ago that I was blogging about Emma's journey to South Africa. I made an attempt to blog about her trip day to day. I was reading my posts from last year, and remembering what it was like. Looking back on it all now, it was without a doubt a trip and experience of a lifetime for her!! Even though old mom was lonesome for her the whole time, I am so glad she took the opportunity to travel to one of the old home lands, even though it's not her homeland! ha!

Now, she's been invited to work on a fully paid research project this summer at Purdue Univeristy to enhance and further her studies in the environmental field. This is a project she can also use toward completion of her BS undergrad in Environmental Studies at BSU, and further her goal of getting her Master's in the same field, Purdue is actively recruiting her for their graduate program!!! It's pretty exciting.

I received a phone call this evening from the U of M, they're inviting her to present/participate in an Environmental Studies workshop in March. I have a feeling in the next year, this will escalate. Her ultimate goal is to complete her doctoral studies in ES at the University of Hawaii, or go into environmental law possibly in Oregon, and then....move to Hawaii and live for a few years. She really connected with the indigenous culture of the Island People when she was there a few years ago, I think she kind of fit in there.

I'll only let her do this if she takes me with! ha. Like I could really stop her. So, as you can see...I am very proud of her and completely supportive of whatever she decides to do.

Merry Christmas!!

This is how I was feeling the other night! Ha. Feel better now, it's already Thursday tomorrow. Things will be quieting down at work after tomorrow, our students will be gone for about a month...I mean it will be dead quiet. No students in the hallways, everything will be shut down, just the employees that keep the place operating will be around.

I have no plans for the holiday season, just staying home and trying to get things done as usual if I don't get lazy like I usually do and relax with a good book or get into movie watching mode.

Just want to get through the next few frigidly, deadly cold days.

Holiday Potluck Tomorrow @ Work!!!

Well here she is creating her signature fruit pizza! Tomorrow is our holiday potluck at work and Emma made fruit pizza, I made boring old 3 bean hot dish. She made this last summer for grandma/grandpa's summer cookout and it was a hit! I think it was gone within minutes...that's how good it is.

I have no idea what I will do when she no longer works in my office, life and work will not be the same. I know her boss think's she's pretty adorable.

DISTURBING.....To say the least...

I know we've all seen this cute little image in the last few days, I had to comment.

I've been very disturbed lately about how a young mother can take the life of her innocent, beautiful little girl. Who knows what her reasons were in her obviously mangled, f'd up mind??

In our American justice system, I hope that every single step is taken to make sure that this monster pays for taking the life of this innocent little baby. Hopefully in this case, the death penalty will apply.

When I saw the video of her sitting on her great grandpa's lap and he was singing to her, it was so apparent to me that she was not in a good situation. Any trained eye can see that this was an abused little girl. At that time this cute little baby was CLINGING to safety in her great grandpa's arms.

Makes one wonder, what were the grand parents thinking, I personally think that the grandmother was one fucking controlling person with many of her own issues!!! And the grandfather is this weak ass that can't even conclusively decipher that the smell in his daughter's vehicle was a death smell. Even though he has many years of training to include police training?? WoW uh! Very sad to say the least.

This will undoubetedly turn out to be the crime of the decade if not the century!! One to watch and follow for sure.