Public Pondering

Change

2008-08-04T17:43:00.003-04:00

We have people around us clamoring for change. Some have there hands out for some government chump change, and some think that electing an inexperienced person who flip-flops will bring about change.

Only I can offer you real change. The change I offer will make your eyes widen, will make you smile, and will take you back to your youth (well, if you click on the RT Tube thingy).

While I'd love for physical and geographic change, like yesterday, I can offer you THIS.

See you on the flip-side!

How I roll

2008-08-03T22:34:00.004-04:00

Snigs has an example of how her mind works when she is thinking/talking to herself. When my mind is empty, I'm not as witty. I tend to over-think my life.

However, I will give you a peek into how my mind works. It can be a trip. I'm watching a show that is following a band through their first real recording and their official launch. I was watching a photo shoot. They were not "feeling it," as they said. It wasn't "them." My thoughts? "Well, dudes, you signed on that coveted dotted line...suck it up. When you are legend and have been in the business for 10-20 years, then you can make demands." Then that reminded me of the band I lived with, as they were equally full of themselves. (I did their hair and make-up, too....I've been to the photo shoot from hell.) Yeah, they had a record contract, as minor as it was, but that was no excuse to be prima donnas....eight people in a two-bedroom apartment and about to be living in the practice space does not afford you to behave like the world revolves around you. Well, in any case, hope their dreams come true. Unfortunately, the more I watch of their show, the more I see that the individual egos will not all fit in the room. All the little fits of each member wanting equal recognition = doom.

So, as I was remembering my life of 21 years ago and listening to this "new" band, I thought, "Do they realize that even with the show and the new deal, they still have a slim chance of getting whatever it is they are after?" I mean how many one-hit wonders have we liked that we never heard from ever again? Then, I started listening to them talk some more. They admitted they were whining, at least. The singer wondered why they didn't put them in a wrecking yard or something. (Their shoot was in a field somewhere.)

Yeah, that's when my mind switched gears. See, every time I have a thinking-spell (heh) it goes back to a song that I like. You, see, back when Mr. Mellencamp was John Cougar whatever, I loved this song (still do). It was shot a quarry. Quarry, big mechanical stuff....wrecking yard.....yeah...that's how I roll.

Headlines

2008-08-03T19:21:00.005-04:00

I'm sorry my posts have been pretty blah the past few days. My head is elsewhere. I appreciate your patience with my funk. Hopefully these headlines will give you a chuckle.

1. Don't streak, get drunk or sleep outside
Dangit! Where was that advice many moons ago?

2. World's oldest joke traced back to 1900 BC
Caveman Bob: "Caveman Larry!"
Caveman Larry: "Grrrnnntttt!"
Caveman Bob: "Pull my finger!"
Caveman Larry: "Grrrrnnnnttt, uh-ah, grrrnnnntttt!!!!"

3. Ancestor of T-Rex dinosaur unearthed in Poland
The discovery of the T-Rexski brought about a surprising discovery: The T-Rexski had a strict diet of perogies.

4. Women at party mistake police for male strippers
Wyatt loves playing that joke on unsuspecting perps when he interrogates them in that hot, tiny room with the really bright light.

5. Mafia godfather's daughter ties knot in Corleone
So, do you think a pre-nup was needed? That guy better never make her unhappy, eh?

6. South Africa's ambitious climate change strategy may include carbon tax
Hey guys in the homeland of my grandfather: How about you improve the lives of those in the "townships" via jobs and such and then work on that aids problem, first. I'm just sayin'.

7. Dunkin' Donuts Adds Healthier Options
Two words that do not belong in the same sentence: Donuts and healthier.

8. Drunk man tries to fill his car with jet fuel
Well, the little voices in his head were saying, "Sunday, Sunday, Sunday.....jet-fuel funny cars!" He wanted to drive one is all. (What an ass.)

9. The stripper and the steelworker
The cashier and the cowboy
The accountant and the apple farmer
The hairdresser and the Harrier pilot
Wow, I could do this all day. ;P''''

10. Monkey from Mars: A Ga. crime lab's museum oddity
Was it some brass monkey???? (Enjoy the bad breakdancing.)

Sunday Song

2008-08-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

Luke 17:1-10
And he said to his disciples, "Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him."

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

"Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and recline at table'? Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"

I Corinthians 13:11-13
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Rita Springer
"I have to Believe"

I have posted this song in the past. I truly believe God sees everything that happens in our lives. He see our hurts and tears. He listens to our prayers with a heart that only a loving father can.

When Jesus was on Earth, He had to endure all the emotional and physical pain (and then some) that we experience from time to time. He wept, too.

What He has that we will never have are "the answers". He knows His plan and purpose for our lives. I believe He instills in us the desires of hearts, too--that He plans our steps, as well.

We especially see God's presence and work in our lives when we learn to let go and when we realize that not only should we seek forgiveness, but also provide it. That opens us up to submitting ourselves to Him. That is also when we learn how deeply God loves us and how we can then show His love to others.

Meh...

2008-08-02T06:21:00.005-04:00

Saw these comics...liked them...sharin' them.

Got any suggestions?

2008-08-01T22:40:00.005-04:00

I'm at a loss about what to cook for my Sunday dinner. Do you have any suggestions? If you do, keep in mind that I am cooking for just me, I am allergic to tomatoes, and I absolutely hate Brussel sprouts. I've also had fish about three times this week and I'd like to have something else.

Yeah, lame post, eh?

I've had a lot on my mind the past few days. I need a hug (or a bazillion).

Think I could get some hugs from this guy?

Sooooooooo......

2008-08-01T19:02:00.003-04:00

I'm kind of bored and not feeling like I want to go out, so I've been taking stupid blog quizzes. Judging by my birthday, I'd say I have four months from today before I turn another decade older. Dangit. Well, at least I don't look or feel 40.

Your Birthdate: December 1

You don't just believe in love at first site - you've experienced it.

You develop crushes pretty easily, but keeping your interest is another matter!

You are very prone to love - hate relationships.

Number of True Loves You'll Have: 2

Number of Times You'll Have Your Heart Broken: 4

You are most compatible with people born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, and 28th of the month.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean For Your Love Life?

Thank you for your prayers

2008-08-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

My dad called yesterday evening to tell me that my aunt decided to settle with him instead of continuing the lawsuit. She decided to do so after his deposition was completed yesterday morning. He was more than generous and fair with her, but in the long run it saves him from further stress and emotional pain. He'll be 70 in November and he doesn't need his wanker of a sister making his life miserable.

When he called, he was so happy that everything was over, and that was good news for me.

I just wanted to thank you all for thinking good thoughts and praying for my dad. This has been a stressful year for him, and I hope that now he can go on a nice long vacation without a care in the world.

Caption Contest

2008-08-01T00:00:00.006-04:00

Boy, the gas prices are hitting everyone, eh? Come up with a witty and fun caption. I'll post winners Monday evening. Have a great weekend! :) (Photoshop entries are always welcome, too.)

Other caption contests:

Blonde Sagacity
bRight & Early (I won 1st place last week!)
Cowboy Blob
Family Security Matters (I got 2nd place last week!)
Gone Rick Motel (I won 1st place last week!)
Is this life? (Be sure to scroll down.)
Right Pundits
Rodney Dill (I won 1st place last week!)
WILLisms
Wizbang
Wyatt (I got 4th place last week!)

Weighin-in

2008-07-31T16:11:00.000-04:00

While a bunch of us gear up for the next weight-loss challenge, I continue to do my almost best to lose weight. Since the last day of school, I've lost 20 pounds. Since the last official weigh-in, I've lost 7. Pretty sweet, I'd say. In total, I've lost 39 pounds since the beginning of January and 77 pounds since last winter.

I still have a lot of weight to lose, though. It is definitely a mental battle and I'm very grateful for the support I've received from my friends. It means a lot to me. I get judged enough by people, and having supportive friends that have kind of walked in my shoes really helps. God has not only blessed me with consistent weight loss, but also consistent support.

I'm still feeling pretty cruddy from yesterday. So, I'm just gonna lay low and maybe go out for a ride. The wash can wait one more day.

Have a good one, y'all.

Another night of music

2008-07-31T13:16:00.017-04:00

Tuesday was another nice night at the Grand Ole Opry. There is a reading convention in town and the place was packed with teachers. I was sitting with some teachers from Texas. They were very nice. It was hot as hades up in the not-so-cheap nosebleeds, though. (The pictures might be easier to see if you click on them.)

See the third row just right of center? That's where I sat when I saw Charlie Daniels. I went up and down a lot of steps Tuesday night. It felt good to be somewhat agile on them. It was encouraging to say the least. Now, for the rundown. Btw., be warned, the pictures are crappy, I couldn't get the settings to cooperate, and I was wayyyyy up high.

First, was a veteran of the Opry, Jeannie Seely. I've heard of her, but never heard her perform. Her songs were good, but her wit was just as spunky.

After Seely was Luke Bryan. I really liked this guy. He did a really good job of balancing a good performance with his engagement of the crowd. It didn't hurt that he had a killer smile. (There were video screens to aid in the audience's viewing pleasure.) He was the first of nice big/tall guys with tight jeans on. I kept thinking about Snigs and how jealous she'd be. Heh.

I like watching the older Opry members/performers. Jesse McReynolds is a bluegrass biggie. He's been in the business performing and playing the mandolin for over 61 years. He has some furiously mad skills on the mandolin. Some of his grandchildren performed with him, too.

I am getting all giddy thinking about the next big, tall guy to wear really tight jeans (and a really tight t-shirt): Keith Anderson. Really, though, his eyes....*whimper*. He has a new CD coming out on Tuesday and I believe I will buy it. He opened up with THE SONG that stabs me the heart every time I hear it. You know, one of those songs that no matter how happy you are, you hear it, and blammo....you dissolve into a tearful mess? Yep. He does have a fun song on the new CD titled, "Somebody needs a Hug". (Follow the directions on that website, wait for the hokey intro to end and listen to the acoustic version.) Come to think of it, I could've used a hug or two yesterday.

After Anderson, another gentleman of country music's past, Jim Ed Brown, came to the stage. He's a seriously funny guy. You will recognize him when you listen to THIS. I think he was one of my uncle's favorites. He told a joke that made my eyes pop out a little. He was saying how he loves applause (and who wouldn't). His comparison: "It's like making love to an old maid. Can't get enough of it."

The next group that performed was Restless Heart. Currently, the original five members are on a 25th anniversary tour. I saw them a lonnnnnng time ago (20 yrs?). They were excellent....top-notch musicianship. I wish they could have done a few more songs, though.

Ever hear THE SONG about the kid that cusses and dad realizing it is his own fault? Well, that is Rodney Atkins. (O.k. Snigs, this is for you: He was super-tall with super-tight jeans--bad audio, but nice viewing.) He sang a second "parenting" song (better audio) about advice to give a boy picking up your little girl for a date: telling the kid you'll be up waiting, cleaning your gun. It was funny to hear the lines of the song. I kind of wished I had a dad that said those things to prospective boys. Then again, the boys I hung around with I wouldn't let near my house. (Except for two of them....they were "safe".)

The night ended with Trace Adkins. Adkins is 6'6". I don't think a bull could run into him and survive (again, Snigs would have been mightily jealous--he even had his hair down). He sang his current HIT. He also sang a couple of songs from the new CD that will be released in the fall. They were really good songs. One song is about finding a sweet girl. /snark....part of a line? "Sweet like hidden tattoos." The other song provided a little glimpse into his past. I remember watching a show that talked about him getting shot by an ex-wife (in the chest, I believe). So, I knew he had a tough go in his younger adult years. Apparently before that, he sang in a gospel quartet. He said the song he was about to perform took him back to those years. I can't remember the title of the song, but it is a prodigal son type of song. It was beautiful. It reminds me that we are completely lost without forgiveness, whether we receive from God or someone we've hurt, or if we are the one providing the forgiveness. He seems so humble, too which makes watching him all the more enjoyable. I was truly impressed with him on The Apprentice, and Tuesday night confirmed it. He also had a wonderful "live" voice.

The really nice thing about watching the shows I've been to is that I think I've seen some pretty down-to-earth people. Back in the day, I used to always be around musicians. I've seen plenty who needed to get over themselves and some that were genuinely nice people. I know that is true for any walk of life, but to really connect with people in such an overtly putting-yourself-out-there business, you kind of have to be good with yourself. I haven't left one show thinking, "Wow, that guy/gal was a bit arrogant." They all just seem truly grateful to be where they are, enjoying the moment. I especially like watching the older performers. There is a grace about them. They have an appreciation for where they are and where they've been, and know it doesn't last all that long. Trace Adkins acknowledged that fact.

I wonder how many musicians depend on their fame or the appreciation of others to give them worth? What happens when that all goes away and they haven't found a way to give themselves worth in their own eyes?

Go figure

2008-07-31T08:09:00.006-04:00

I managed to sleep through what sounds to be the mother of all thunderstorms overnight, but I woke up after the power went out.

I've been up since 4:30 a.m. Apparently, where I am there is a brown-out. The power has been out since around 4:00, so I am thinking I might be replacing the food in the fridge.

Guess I really shouldn't have the computer up and going, either. There is enough juice for a radio, clock, and computer---but, nothing else.

I think I'll just go back to sleep. At least that will keep me from thinking too much. Well, I should be able to sleep as long as the upstairs neighbors stop having loud sex (it was an all-nighter on their part). Guess, power outages are good for something.

I'll be back later. Have a good morning.

Thought this percentage would be higher

2008-07-30T20:44:00.004-04:00

Found this at Jimbo's at Parkway Rest Stop. He's a funny, snarky Jersey guy. Go pay a visit.

I am 36% White Trash.

The white trash in my blood will not keep me from becoming a doctor or a lawyer, but it will keep me from a good haircut and any sort of fashion sense.

Take the
White Trash Test
@ FualiDotCom

What a (shopping) trip

2008-07-30T16:52:00.005-04:00

Last night, I talked myself out of doing wash and just chilling out in the condo, today. I wanted to keep the legs moving and go shopping for those pretty girlie shoes I've been wanting. So, I picked a mall that had a ton of stores, nice surroundings and no hint of thugs walking around it. I've read about some of the malls in the area having some issues, so I chose what I thought would be a good place. It was. I got a later start than expected, but I walked around the mall, got some ideas in my head, and then decided to get some lunch before I finished shopping. I hadn't eaten all day and was beginning to feel it.

Lunch was surprising. Well, not. I ended up with my "if-nothing-else-seems-good" choice of Chick-Fil-A.

Unfortunately, I felt a little upset and queasy for reasons I won't explain (wasn't the food), and left earlier than I'd expected. At least I got in some walking. Hopefully, I can find those pretty shoes in the near future.

I'm feeling a bit emotionally drained, today, folks. In fact, I'm pretty hurt and sad about something. I'll post the trip to the Opry house either later tonight or tomorrow. I'm not feeling "fun" right now. Kind of wish I had just stayed in and did my wash.

Whatever I want Wednesday

2008-07-30T02:29:00.007-04:00

I will post about last night's adventure a bit later. There was a joke that cracked me up and lots of music that made me smile and yes, fight back those darn tears. I tried to take pictures, but they are a little muffed. However, I will post what I can. I plan on going out today to a mall to walk, walk, walk, and walk.

If you think of it, my sadly mistaken aunt and my equally sadly mistaken cousin (read: both greedy and vindictive) will be doing some stuff under oath that could potentially harm my father. Pray that their lies and schemes are thwarted. My other cousin, speaking on behalf of my father, will also being taking part. I have not been asked to do so as of yet, because of my obvious bias toward my dad.

He has an awesome lawyer. Just pray about that whole situation. It has been going on for almost a year.

My dad will give his deposition, tomorrow.

This song came to mind when I was thinking about my dad just now.

"You don't mess around with Jim"
Jim Croce

YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-29T16:07:00.002-04:00

The A/C is FIXED! A freakin' fuse was coming in between me and my Arctic-like comfort.

Off to get something to eat and then the Opry. Among others, I will see Trace Adkins and Restless Heart. There is a guy performing that has a hit right now....that makes me cry....a lot. Dangit. My mascara isn't waterproof, either. Grrr!

Yeah, my life is good boring right now, isn't it? Just think: This time next month, I'll be all anxious about starting school.

Over the next year, I think I might be doing the paperwork necessary to teach down here. Hopefully, I'll be in the position I wish I was in now, so that I can do it. Who knows? Maybe that financial miracle will happen and I won't have to go back to NJ, except to get my cats, my important papers and to throw out everything else...oh, and bring down my almost like new, hardly used desktop computer.

Now, I am off to do my hair (which will flop in ten minutes of being outside), powder my nose, and gets to steppin'.

I think the heat has scrambled my brain.

Well, when you have nothing to say....

2008-07-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

You cat-blog!

I have no air-conditioning. I'm waiting for a guy to come out and fix it. "They" said he'll arrive between two and four, which means I have to be ready to go out (going out tonight) by 2 pm, because I won't have time to do it if the guy is here. And, if I have to leave before he gets here, I'm going to be a wreck coming back here by myself. It would be a little much to ask my cousin to meet me to walk me in tonight. Hopefully, the a/c guy will be gone before I have to leave.

Now, for the cat-blogging. (I miss my kitties.)

An idle mind....

2008-07-28T21:54:00.004-04:00

It seems that I got Snigglefrits thinking. Two women with much maleness on the mind....never a good thing. Well, it is, but it is very distracting--in a good way.

Wanna see who won the caption contest this week? Click HERE!

And another headline getting on my nerves, today:

Less schools failing under 'No Child Left Behind', state says

FEWER!!!!!!

Finally!

2008-07-28T17:01:00.003-04:00

When I woke up this morning it was soooooo quiet (this will be important later). When I looked at the time, I was surprised to see that I slept through my alarm. However, I did wake up in time to go to the movies. But, first, I had some retail therapy to attend to. I bought a pair of jeans one size smaller--among other things.

Now, the movie: The Dark Knight is awesome! If you go to see it, be warned that the movie has no opening credits and just starts after the previews. There are some pretty intense scenes and some really good twists. I don't want to give anything away about it, so you'll have to see for yourselves. The end of the movie seems to be a great beginning to the next chapter of the Batman movies.

So, I got back to the condo. That silence? The air-conditioning is broken. Uh, tomorrow is supposed to be a scorcher. Guess I'll be spending the day at the mall. Good thing I'm going to the Opry, too. I'll be nice and busy, and hopefully, I'll be the proud owner of a pair of hot looking shoes. I miss wearing hot looking shoes.

Seriously, though....see the movie. You will not be disappointed.

Oh, just a few things

2008-07-28T12:00:00.001-04:00

1. Isn't it a given that McDonalds will do a profitable business at this stage in the company's existence? If so, then why do they insist on having stupid commercials that attempt rap? Rap is bad as it is when it is considered "good," but ad-campaign rap is just horrible. Actually, it makes me not want to go to Mickey D's....well, that and it makes me physically ill. However, I would visit if they were offering those glasses with the McDonalds mascots on them.

2. I saw this headline on a local news station's website:

Motorcycle learning classes take off as gas prices climb

"Well, dang. Ise gonna go take me some of them thar classes on learnin' motorcycling."

How about "Motorcycle skills courses take off as gas prices climb"????

3. There is a pretty big homeless problem here. In fact, I see a lot of them because of where I am staying. Now, when THIS happened, didn't anyone on the trolley have a stinkin' cell phone to dial up the cops for help?

I wonder what kind of tour they were expecting if they didn't immediately wonder why a homeless guy was jumping into the driver's seat?

A question or a few for the gentlemen

2008-07-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

I was watching a show last night. I'd give the title, but I don't want hits from people looking for it. In this show a guy and his wife went to go hang out at the Playboy mansion and then they spoke to Heff about the guy's wife doing test shots for a possible for-real photo shoot.

Working up to the big day, the guy expressed his angst of people seeing his wife naked and wondering what reaction friends and family might have. It wasn't anger-ridden angst and his wife had a pretty calm attitude, but seemed determined to do it. Well, they did have the proper blessing and care for feelings warning given by the highly-paid counselor/psychologist--whatever.

Now, I know some of you are saying: "R.T., nekkid women are good."

People do what they do. However, my moral compass couldn't wash on this one. How does a man's wife do something like that and how does a man give the so-called o.k.? How do you share what you have vowed to keep sacred with the rest of the world?

I'm not the kind of girl a guy would "show off" (yet), but I think I'd feel kind of gross if my husband was like, "Go show 'em your tatas!" I lived with guys like that, and had a prospective new member to that band, during his interview, jokingly "demand" to see mine--clASS.

I guess one of the many questions I'm asking here is how can you respect yourself and your wife if you are allowing that bond meant for you to be sold to the highest bidder? Isn't what is meant for private be just that? Private?

I turned the show off; not worth watching. But, those questions lingered.

I'll take one of him, to go, please.

2008-07-27T18:56:00.003-04:00

The Mentalist doesn't look all that original, but I might watch just to see Simon Baker. I'm not into blondes, but I can make an exception in his case. Well, his hair is wavy, he has light eyes, and he has some scruff--major points in my book.

Simple Stuff

2008-07-27T15:57:00.008-04:00

Tastes like chicken!

Hopefully, Ssssteve will approve of this week's Sunday dinner. I decided to just roast a couple of chicken breasts (garlic/chipotle chili powder/pepper/olive oil), baby carrots, red bell peppers, and green onions. I topped things off with some green beans and smashed red potatoes with olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, and a teensy bit of butter. I could go all week (and usually do) without using butter, but I must have it on my smashed or baked taters. To be honest, I was going to roast a whole chicken, but thought it would be a waste, since I don't really like dark meat. Boneless, skinless breasts are a little better in the fat area, too. I made enough for two, so tomorrow, I have leftovers for dinner and don't have to cook. Since I'll be engaging in female suburban warfare (shopping and a movie) tomorrow, I won't feel like messing around in the kitchen (well, unless it involves actually messing around) and would be very tempted to hit the fast food stops on the way home. That would decrease my chances of being very thin this time next year.

Mmmmm.....ready to eat!

Speaking of losing weight, don't forget about the CHALLENGE I posted the other day. I know Wyatt is on board, as is Joe Cool (Ssssteve's brother), and Big Bad Wolf. We'll begin the day after Labor Day. Whether you have 10 pounds or a bazillion pounds (like me) to lose, all are welcome. It really does help to have a little support.

**Btw, I know that's a huge piece of chicken, but I haven't eaten since yesterday. I did load up on the veggies, though.

Sunday Song

2008-07-27T00:00:00.006-04:00

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

I have been having some struggles of faith, lately (nothing earth-shattering, but enough to make me itchy). At this point in my life, and in my relationship with God, I know not to give up, especially with how faithful He has been. I'd be an ingrate of enormous proportions. I know that there are times that I have to wait and be still. Honestly, though, I'm pretty weak at times when it comes to mental will (thus, the struggles). I know it isn't because I think I know better than God. I'm just highly human and impatient.

I've been praying about some things for almost two years, now (some things for as long as 16 years). It's not easy, and that is what I think I'm trying to say. One of the hardest things to do is to turn things over and to ask for God's will to be done. Even when you do and you mean it, waiting for God's answer is hard.

I hope you all have a restful and blessed Sunday.

"Prisoner of Hope"
Randy Stonehill

A job hazard for criminals?

2008-07-26T17:37:00.003-04:00

Have Dragon and Goldbloom been to Brooklyn?

(Be sure to watch the video.)