tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-363048552024-03-13T23:07:37.435-05:00Flying Flo's ForumGoddess HollyB calls me the MPD Saint, and we all (usually) have fun together in my own little world, which might be more aptly named Flying Flo's Funny Farm.Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-32751831951287851872016-10-23T18:31:00.000-05:002016-11-03T09:01:40.192-05:00OheMGee Woman, Get a Life Already <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I just want to punch her in the throat.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have a friend, Jane Smith Doe. She is married to John Doe (also a friend.) John's ex-wife, Mary Johnson Doe, friended both John and Jane on Facebook. In this situation, I don't understand why Jane would want to friend her ex-husband's wife. I think she's just a little off.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jane posted something a little controversial on FB the other day. Instead of scrolling on by, Mary was the first to comment, and said she disagreed with Jane's point-of-view. Then Mary proceeded to go on a rampage through the lengthy comment section, defending her viewpoint to people who obviously sided with Jane.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is not the first time Mary has made contentious comments on Jane's page. I usually just shake my head and move on. This time it hit a little closer to home and she kept going on and on to the point I almost had steam coming out of my ears. I wanted to say, "If you have a different opinion that you feel must be defended, do it on your own page!" Mary had the nerve to say at the end that she was just posting her opinion and meant no disrespect to anyone. The woman disrespected Jane from her first comment. Twit.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seriously, I look at your FB page as belonging to you and you are entitled to post whatever you like, within reason (i.e. no porn.) If you post something that is visible to your friends on their timeline, you are like a host, allowing them to come into your home and make comments. When you physically enter someone's home, you don't go out of your way to ignore your host's opinion and practically scream at other guests whom also disagree with you. It's a good way to get escorted out the door.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Disagreeing is a common occurrence, especially in election season. Friends and family often disagree. </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, it can be done with a little sensitivity. If you can't be sensitive, or snarky in a loving way, then don't enter the discussion. It's well known around here when the family descends at Thanksgiving, that there is NO political discussion allowed around me, I don't care which side you're on, or I will kick your happy little ass outside. There's no such thing as a civil political discussion with KSA's family.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In other words, Mary, shut up.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hugs,</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flo</span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-72131379924271867332016-10-19T08:52:00.000-05:002016-10-19T08:52:26.734-05:00Doing My Part to Save Some Souls<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First I'll let you read one homily and/or watch another, then I'll add my own comments.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was sent in an email as a PDF attachment. I don't know who the priest is or where he is from (if you prefer to only watch a video, scroll down to the blue text):</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
"29th Sunday Ordinary Time:<br />
As I was laying on the floor in the Cathedral of our Diocese, I asked
Jesus Christ, literally moments before I was ordained a Catholic priest of
Jesus Christ, 'Please give me the strength to be a good, holy priest. Please
help me through every Cross I will encounter.'<br />
In doing so, it means that as a priest one is always compassionate and
always merciful, just as our Heavenly Father is. This also demands that a
priest says the cold-hard truth when necessary, so that is what I am about to
do.<br />
Our Savior Jesus Christ says from today's Gospel, 'When the Son of
Man comes, will he find faith on earth?' Wow! Will He? Today?<br />
We are now less than one month away from voting for our next
president of the United States. As Catholics, it is our civic duty to vote, AND
at the same time, to practice our Catholic Faith when we vote.<br />
As the Catholic Church teaches, we need to have an <b>informed
conscience</b> to help direct us how it is we are to vote, and voting in a way that
is in accord with our Catholic Faith.<br />
There are issues to vote on that are subject to the<b> prudential judgment</b>
of Catholics. This means Catholics do not have to agree on the issues being
voted upon. These include the economy, healthcare, and yes even
immigration.<br />
There are issues, however, which relate to intrinsic evils. Intrinsically
evil acts are acts that are evil at the object, meaning, <b>what</b> it is that a person
is hoping to achieve. Intrinsically evil acts can <b>NEVER</b> at any time, at any
circumstance be endorsed, enabled, or even <b>promoted</b> by a faithful Catholic.<br />
Thanks be to God neither candidate is wanting to legalize an intrinsic
evil, <b>at least on the surface</b>, such as making it legal for one to murder their
neighbor, whether they are white, black, or Hispanic, simply because one
does not like them.<br />
Now, out of the possible presidential candidates, we do have one who
wants to sanction the killing of whites, blacks, and Hispanics and in fact this
candidate wants to make it even more available, under a very specific
condition, which is this: As long as the white, black, or Hispanic person is in
the womb of their mother.<br />
Yes, this particular candidate wants to kill babies in their mother's womb. Not only that, but this candidate is striving to increase the availability
of this killing, which we know as abortion. Additionally, this candidate, if
elected president, wants to make you and me pay for it with our tax dollars,
which has so far been illegal.<br />
Now, this candidate does not use the word 'abortion.' Instead the
candidate uses words such as <b>'choice'</b> or <b>'Women's Health'</b> or
<b>'reproductive rights'</b> to make the reality of what each of these are, meaning
abortion, sound much more pleasant, maybe even nice, and probably good,
which abortion is not.<br />
Abortion is what I referenced to earlier as an <b>intrinsic evil</b>. It is an
intrinsic evil because it is evil at its object, meaning there is nothing that can
make abortion somehow 'good.' <b>Absolutely nothing.</b> When a new life is
formed from the joining of the appropriate parts of the mother and father, a
new, brand new cell that has never existed before in either the mother or
father is formed.<br />
This new cell, this fetus, this baby, this child's heart begins beating at
just three to four weeks after conception. Additionally, this child feels pain
after twenty weeks after conception. Did you know that, 'Over 88% of abortions occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy'
(http://www.womenscenter.com/abortion_stats.html). This means that in
2005, two hundred twenty seven thousand, four hundred and eighty abortions
were done to babies who had a heart
(http://www.womenscenter.com/abortion_stats.html).<br />
Nothing except something that is alive feels pain, and nothing but a
living organism has a heart. If this heart does not belong to the mother, then it
must belong only to the this newly formed living organism that somehow is
forming within the mother, and that newly formed organism is a child.<br />
Abortion is a horrific evil that is somehow looked upon as a possible
good. Think on these following words with regards to abortion, 'One may
not do evil so that good may result from it'(CCC 1756). If you are wondering
where those words came from, they certainly did not come from me. They
came from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, so that is your Catholic
Church speaking to you. 'One may not do evil, such as an abortion, so that a
good may result from it.'<br />
God has told us vividly<b> when</b> He knows us from the prophet Jeremiah,
'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.' From that short phrase of Sacred Scripture, one realizes
that God considers that newly formed organism in the mother's womb to be a
person, a human being. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states,
'Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo<b> must be
defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like
any other human being'</b> (CCC 2274). Once again, those are not my words.
Those are the words of the Catholic Church.<br />
Now, to take a breather, if one has had an abortion or who has been
somehow involved with one, <b>do not think for one second that God does
not love you. </b>As long as you go to the Sacrament of Confession and as long
as you are sincerely contrite, God the Father, Who is Mercy itself, will
lovingly embrace you back again into His undying love for you. God loves
you. Your God loves you. He knows that your pain is real, He knows that you
are so tired of carrying this excessive burden. Jesus Christ, your brother, He
is extending His hand out to you, inviting you into His peaceful gaze so that
you may find true peace again. The Holy Spirit is urging you, to allow the
power of the Cross overwhelm you in the Sacrament of Confession so that
you may realize that there is no sin that God cannot forgive. This God loves you so much that He died for you on that Cross 2,000 years ago. Why? So
that of all things, you...can...come...home.<br />
Now, back to our 2016 election. This pro-abortion candidate wants to
expand the availability of abortion, and even make abortion available even
until the baby is fully formed and ready to be born.<br />
If you do not know the candidate of whom I am referring, then you
need to find out before you vote, and so you can share the truth about
this presidential candidate with others that you meet at work, family
members, and friends. There is no room for excuses. This election is so
important because it really is a major turning point in our nation's history,
<b>and the possible election results should frighten you as a Catholic.</b><br />
Remember what Jesus said today from our Gospel? 'When the Son of
Man comes, will he find faith on earth?' That's such an interesting question
for Jesus to ask. Did you know that this same candidate who wants to expand
abortion wants to limit religious liberty even more? In other words, this same
candidate wants to make it very difficult for you to practice your Catholic
Faith, if not wipe it out altogether? And this is not just Catholics, but all
faiths that want to speak out against the evils that our government is condoning as a good, such as abortion.<br />
So, now you all have the knowledge, if you did not beforehand. Some
of you may have a little research and Google searching to do to figure out
which candidate I'm referring to. Now you know that abortion is an
intrinsically evil act, and that nothing can make it good, which includes the
<b>supporting, enabling, or promoting of abortion.</b> Since you have this
knowledge now, and if you still vote for this particular candidate that will
undoubtedly expand abortion, because this candidate said they would, then
your eternal salvation is at great risk, especially if you come to receive our
Lord's Body and Blood in Holy Communion.<br />
Why? Because if you are supporting abortion, especially by your vote
for a candidate who not only supports abortion but wants to expand abortion,
you are committing a mortal sin. According to the Catechism of the Catholic
Church, 'For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must together be met.
Mortal sin is sin whose object is<b> grave matter</b> and which is also committed
with <b>full knowledge</b> and <b>deliberate consent.'</b> Now, abortion is <b>grave
matter,</b> which does include supporting a candidate who endorses abortion
and seeks to expand it.<b> Full knowledge:</b> as of now, from my preaching, you do have full knowledge about abortion and it being an intrinsic evil.
<b>Deliberate Consent:</b> You still support, by your personal choice, this
particular candidate, especially with your vote, given the full knowledge of
the intrinsic evil of abortion that this candidate supports.<br />
So, if one is wanting to still vote for this particular candidate, given the
knowledge that you know have, then you will be committing a mortal sin,
and you should not go to Communion until you have sincerely, and I do
mean sincerely confess your sins in the Sacrament of Confession.<br />
Please my friends, save your soul. You want to know why I am so
concerned about this election and pointing out this particular candidate's evil
agenda? It's because I want your soul to be saved. I can safely say that it is
the primary reason why I answered the call to the priesthood. I want your
souls to be clean of committing sins so that you may indeed go to heaven.<br />
I am telling you these hard truths in this homily today because when we
all die, we will have to answer to God for our actions and inactions, whether
we voted for or against a candidate who clearly supports an intrinsic evil,
such as abortion. Not voting is also not the answer because that will only help
the pro-abortion candidate. Me personally, I want to see you in heaven. Simply put I want to see you in Heaven and not go to Hell. That is my
greatest fear for me as one of your priests.<br />
St. Paul hits the nail on the head regarding this tough topic and this
election with regards to the candidate who wants to support abortion. Listen
to his words from our Second Reading, 'I charge you in the presence of God
and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his
appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it
is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all
patience and teaching.'<br />
This homily, my friends, is me preaching the Gospel Message of Jesus
Christ. This is <b>NOT</b> convenient for me, just as Saint Paul said. More than
likely, I will have angered some people here, which is not my intent. My
intent is to spread the truths that Jesus Christ lived and died for, through the
living instrument that is His Church, the Catholic Church, Whom He founded
on the Rock of St. Peter. If you do not want to shake my hand once this Mass
is done, I will take no offense. If I am to receive any reprimands from anyone
because of this homily, then I will take it as a Cross for our God Whom I love
more than anyone else, and I will take it as a compliment and as a spiritual bullet...for my country.<br />
If I as your priest do not tell you these truths that the Catholic Church,
the faith which you profess to believe in, then I am not doing my job as your
priest. I want you all to be happy, and the only way that you all will be happy
is if you live in the Truth, which is Jesus Christ. As this same Jesus Christ
said from St. John's Gospel, 'If you remain in my word, you will truly be my
disciples, and you will know the truth,<b> and the truth will set you free' </b>(Jn.
8: 31-32). That is my job as your priest. True freedom is found within Truth
itself, and if you believe in this Truth, then you will indeed have found True
Happiness, which is in Jesus Christ.
May God bless you all, and I pray, please God, please bless America.<br />
<br />
(The credit to the approach and some of the content of this homily [particularly pages 1-3, 5-6] is
accredited to Fr. John Lankeit, the Rector of The Cathedral of Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral in
Phoenix, Arizona of the Diocese of Phoenix. He preached his homily on the election (which I used
some of his content and approach in this homily) on October 2, 2016. The text for his homily on that
day, which I attribute some of my homily to, can be found here:
https://14031.sites.ecatholic.com/documents/2016/10/Homily%20OT%2027%20-%20October
%202%202016%20Year%20C.pdf <br />
A link to the video of him giving his homily can be found here: https://tomperna.org/2016/10/."<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And here is a link to the actual video of Fr. John Lankeit giving his own homily: <a href="https://youtu.be/881aDDE5qFY">https://youtu.be/881aDDE5qFY</a></span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Someone I respect once told me she didn't understand how a person could vote based on only one issue. I have been a one-issue voter for as long as I can remember, because to me, it has always been THE issue. Everything else stems from it. Our morals and values have sharply dropped, and I think it reflects back to our lack of respect for life. The same with our "I want it and I want it NOW" mentality. If we have no respect for life, we have respect for nothing. How can we accept responsibility for our actions if we don't accept responsibility for the most innocent of lives?</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Church has slowly been coming around the last several elections, although it's a shame it only focuses on pro-life issues during an election and the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. And although it may be too little, too late at this point with society's "me first" thinking, we have an obligation to make an attempt.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">God bless,</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flo</span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-26974956404896748882016-10-13T09:20:00.000-05:002016-10-13T09:21:30.471-05:00My Two Cents<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I saw something on Facebook the other day that struck me
as absurd. It was a comment about how
Donald Trump refused to drop out of the race, and asked how Republicans now
felt about carrying something to term.
With a pro-life platform, I bet there are plenty of Republicans that
know exactly how it feels to carry something to term, no matter how difficult,
uncomfortable, or personally embarrassing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I used to find it entertaining when someone told me they
voted for a "person," and not a "party." This election, since quite a few don't like
either person, they have to--or should--take a look at party platforms, and hope
that the rest of the Democrats or Republicans can keep Clinton or Trump in line
with the party principles. That's my
only hope right now. Or impeachment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I read an <a href="http://denvercatholic.org/voting-catholic-2016/" target="_blank">article</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> on how Catholics should vote. My
thoughts can be summed up with these words:
"The right to life is the most
important and fundamental right, since life is necessary for any of the other
rights to matter. There are some issues that can legitimately be debated by
Christians, such as which policies are the most effective in caring for the
poor, but the direct killing of innocent human life must be opposed at all
times by every follower of Jesus Christ...The health of our nation depends on a
deep respect for human life from the moment of conception until natural death,
and the future of our society depends on how we protect that right."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">One last thing
while I'm here. Once you put on a
uniform of any kind, you become a representative of an organization and are
bound to the rules of that organization.
Military personnel are required to salute in certain situations while in
uniform. City employees may not campaign
or wear political slogans while in uniform.
Etcetera. My point is, your
freedom of speech may be curtailed while you are in uniform. In that case, I believe NFL owners are within
their rights to demand players stand and be respectful during the national
anthem.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Flo</span><span style="color: #1a1718;"><o:p></o:p></span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-41877820439604778582016-02-17T18:16:00.000-06:002016-10-13T09:24:43.855-05:00We Are Well, and Truly, Screwed<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would be more inclined to vote for Donald Trump if he hadn't maligned John McCain for being a POW; didn't threaten a lawsuit every other day; didn't have such a vulgar mouth or call everyone that disagreed or disliked him a moron, idiot, or liar; or spoke as a conservative to issues that concern me: pro-life, traditional marriage, freedom of religion, and protection of the second amendment. To me, he's more arrogant that BO, and that's saying something.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it comes to the general election, both Clinton and Sanders are unsettling to me. But so far, those are the only Democratic options and one of them will probably be on the ballot. What is worse are the Republican options and the positions they are putting us in. Unless all but one of Cruz, Rubio, Bush, Kasich, and Carson throw the towel in and unite their supporters, Donald Trump could quite possibly win the nomination. I'd be as embarrassed to vote for Trump as those that voted for BO should be. An even more disastrous scenario would be one of the others winning the Republican nomination and Trump running as an Independent. If he didn't win the election, he will almost certainly be handing it to Clinton or Sanders.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A critical election that many don't seem to fathom.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gracious, do I seem to have lost a trace of tact? Maybe they took it with everything else they took out of my body.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides the cancer (which has been over 8 years now, hooray), I developed adenomiosis - none of that run of the mill endometriosis for me - so I had to have a total hysterectomy. Then I developed fast growing cataracts - none of that normal. slow growing stuff for me - so I had lens replacements. Let's see...torn rotator cuff, torn bicep, and arthritis in my shoulder that was repaired. Most recently, I had a lipoma removed from the opposite breast. My PCP said it was unusual to have a lipoma in the breast, so I politely informed him there is nothing normal about me. Ah well.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KSA, MFS, and MFD are all doing well. Maybe I'll come back and fill you in one of these days.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care of yourselves,</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flo</span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-5464527164631730292010-04-24T10:37:00.002-05:002010-04-24T11:03:49.485-05:00Well!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">I came here from MFS's site, after finding out MFS had a site, to find over 750 comments to be moderated. Evidently, it wasn't set up to notify me by email that I had comments to moderate. So 750+ comments were sent to that Anonymous Commenter hole in the sky. If you wanted to use a blogger name, or if you had something to say to me personally, or about my blog (or lack of blog) specifically, and not about sex, drugs, or money, please feel free to re-comment.<br /><br />I also removed MFSG from the side bar. She broke up with MFS almost 2 years ago. It was a bit of a disappointment, we all adored her. But...que sera, sera. Miss Right is out there somewhere.<br /><br />On another note, I just wanted to say "I told you so." Seems everyone is disgusted and fed up with the way b.o. goes around the world apologizing for America. I warned those of you that voted for him, moments before you walked into the voting booth, that the man was not proud to be an American.<br /><br />Maybe some of you can relate to this. During a discussion about the presidential candidates, someone made a comment to KSA that "McCain hasn't said anything that's going to help me personally." Well, if he believed anything b.o. said that was going to help him was the truth, I have some swamp land for him. Mostly, though, I was disgusted by the selfishness of that statement. What about his kids? If b.o. gives him everything he said, his kids will ultimately pay. Think about the future, man! Especially when you walk into the booth again in November.<br /><br />Finally, when congress votes in a bill that the majority of Americans are opposed to, because they think they know what's best, we no longer have a government OF the people and BY the people.<br /><br />Flo<br /></span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-63504233004038430452009-07-26T11:43:00.003-05:002009-07-26T12:31:28.543-05:00Ratcheting Racial Remarks<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-family: arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Found this in an <a href="http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090725/D99LF49O0.html"><span style="color: rgb(23, 54, 93);">article</span></a> I read: “The president did not back down from his contention that police had overreacted by arresting the Harvard professor for disorderly conduct after coming to his home to investigate a possible break-in. He added, though, that he thought Gates, too, had overreacted to the police who questioned him. The charge has been dropped.<o:p></o:p></href="http:></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-family: arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Obama stirred up a hornet's nest when he said at a prime-time news conference this week that Cambridge police had 'acted stupidly' by arresting Gates, a friend of the president's. Still, Obama said Friday he didn't regret stepping into the controversy and hoped the matter would end up being a 'teachable moment' for the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-family: arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >'The fact that this has garnered so much attention, I think, is testimony to the fact that these are issues that are still very sensitive here in America,' Obama said.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-family: arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Seriously?<span style=""> </span>Sensitive issues?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-family: arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >I don’t suppose B-O has considered that those most sensitive to this issue are blacks, and that certain blacks are the ones that ratchet up the tensions.<span style=""> </span>I wouldn’t be surprised if a good majority of whites don’t consider race to be an issue, unless it is brought up—by blacks.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-family: arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >B-O said the police overreacted by making an arrest; however, the professor also overreacted.<span style=""> </span>Hm.<span style=""> </span>Which one came first?<span style=""> </span>Would there have even been an arrest if the professor hadn’t overreacted?<span style=""> </span>Or perhaps, would there have been a sincere apology to him for the misunderstanding if he had merely cooperated?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-family: arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >I take anything “reported” with a grain of salt, but here’s what it sounds like:<span style=""> </span>The officers were responding to a call according to procedure.<span style=""> </span>Instead of laughing it off and saying: “Are you serious?<span style=""> </span>Look, here’s my ID,” the professor became belligerent and pulled the “Do you know who I am?” number.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-family: arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >I know there are racists out there, and situations like this add fuel to the fodder.<span style=""> </span>That doesn’t make it right.<span style=""> </span>But the Jesse Jacksons and Al Sharptons are the types that instigate racial issues, when there is none.<span style=""> </span>Instead, they should be championing obvious, intentional racism.<span style=""> </span>Crying wolf when there isn’t one doesn’t get the job done.<span style=""> </span>I would like to think most of us are appalled at racism and would get behind a just cause.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-family: arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >However, I don’t care if you’re the president.<span style=""> </span>If you’re acting suspiciously, the police are entitled to investigate, whether you are black, white, red, yellow, or all/none of the above.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-family: arial;">Flo</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-71992740831540115542008-12-20T12:54:00.005-06:002008-12-20T13:10:32.880-06:00What Is a Loan?<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:11;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Help me out here.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I saw the following quote in an article today about the auto industry’s economic woes:</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:100%;">“If the carmakers fail to prove viability - a positive cash flow and ability to make good on the loans - by March 31, they will be required to repay the government loans.”</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:100%;">Why <b><i>wouldn’t</i></b> they have to repay the government “loans?”<span style=""> </span>Isn’t <b><i>everybody</i></b> required to repay his or her “loans?”</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:100%;">What a bunch of hogwash.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:100%;">Can I tell MFS that if he graduates with a 3.0 GPA, then he’s shown viability for his education and doesn’t have to repay his student loans?<span style=""> </span>If we’ve paid our mortgage on time and in full for 12 months and don’t have a negative bank balance, does that mean we’ve shown viability and don’t have to repay our home loan?<span style=""> </span>Notice I said 12 months, as opposed to the 3 ½ months the carmakers have.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:100%;">I saw a promo, possibly for the evening news, a few nights ago.<span style=""> </span>It was a woman (the governor of Michigan, perhaps?) saying something like:<span style=""> </span>congress has pledged billions to bail out the banking industry, but the auto industry has to beg on bended knee.<span style=""> </span>How fair is that?</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good grief.<span style=""> </span>Hasn’t she learned life isn’t always fair?<span style=""> </span>She sounded like a whiny two-year old.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:100%;">I am seriously worried that our country will not survive four years of a democrat run white-house and congress.<span style=""> </span>I just hope there’s enough left to work with and that people will wake up and be willing to accept some responsibility and be accountable for their decisions.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:100%;">And the Republican Party better wake up, choose a promising leader or two, and start promoting that person(s).<span style=""> </span>The sooner the better.<span style=""> </span>NOW would be good.</span></p> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:12;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Flo<br /><br />P.S. Since I'm pretty sure I won't be posting again any time soon: have a merry Christmas and a happy new year, one full of peace and hope.</span><br /></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-82669215456029676892008-11-02T13:18:00.005-06:002008-11-05T07:00:41.793-06:00ACTIONS Speak Louder Than WORDS<span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Here’s a picture worth more than a thousand words—if you have only one thought as you step into the election booth, let it be this ACTION:<o:p></o:p></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxifl_l-ecIK_dvxyofVM4IpnEeauSvnlJIoKkoynHaLwohoXxaJE2uPrDHqKqfFoSZDKPl7sLSCet77zVhlD0ybV4_svg2Wz1m_sebtw0qvb_aDdnt4LIM9QmBCmgrSv2PMCaCg/s1600-h/bad+obama.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxifl_l-ecIK_dvxyofVM4IpnEeauSvnlJIoKkoynHaLwohoXxaJE2uPrDHqKqfFoSZDKPl7sLSCet77zVhlD0ybV4_svg2Wz1m_sebtw0qvb_aDdnt4LIM9QmBCmgrSv2PMCaCg/s400/bad+obama.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264149518942134258" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >This is NOT a man PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >For those of you that don’t know, I am adamantly opposed to abortion.<span style=""> </span>I’m not sure exactly where I stand on gay rights, but I do not support gay marriage.<span style=""> </span>I worry about American values and morals.<span style=""> </span>Where are our priorities?<span style=""> </span>To me, nothing—not the economy, not health care, not the war, not immigration—NOTHING is more important than life, and I fear for our nation if it elects this man who supports abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and gay marriage. I believe that life and family are the most important issues we are faced with, and the reasons I am voting for McCain.</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >However, if those are not the issues that concern you the most, I hope the picture will appeal to your patriotic side.<span style=""> </span>If nothing else, REMEMBER OUR TROOPS, especially those that have given their lives so that this man could have the freedom of expression to stand up there and disrespect our flag, the symbol of our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >God bless us all,<o:p></o:p><br />Flo<br /></span></span></p>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-6830451486564337652008-10-25T09:45:00.004-05:002008-11-05T07:01:15.670-06:00Vote Your Conscience<span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Catholic or not, this is <span style="font-weight: bold;">THE</span> basis for my political beliefs. It makes a simple and basic, yet powerful statement. This three and a half minute video is not negative, doesn't mislead or have half truths, doesn't tell you whom to vote for. No matter which party you support, keep an open mind, and please watch this.<br /><br />Flo<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/61wj4tJICcc&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/61wj4tJICcc&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></span></span></span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-49555680559470508392008-06-09T10:27:00.003-05:002008-06-09T10:48:40.269-05:00I Need a Job<span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >You know.<span style=""> </span>The kind where you go to work so you can get some rest.<span style=""> </span>That’s what one of my friends said at a meeting that was one of several commitments I had again last week.<o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >But let’s not speak of commitments.<span style=""> </span>Especially since Lainy thinks I’ve had nothing to do since she left, therefore, I should have written a blog two days afterwards.<span style=""> </span>Then tries to blame her impatience on Kate.<span style=""> </span>Ha!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >You see, Lainy and I got to meet and spend a day with Kate, and rather than start her own blog and write about it, Lainy expects me to do it.<span style=""> </span>Because, you know, all I do is sit around and eat bon-bons and watch TV.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >But I digress.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Kate flew in to see another dear friend of hers in the area.<span style=""> </span>I say “another” because now we’re dear friends, too, which was only to be expected.<span style=""> </span>Lainy and I…well, actually, Lainy was the first to meet her at the gate because I had gone to check the location of a Cinnabon.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, Kansas City does not have a very convenient terminal set-up when it comes to food.<span style=""> </span>We were at Terminal C and the Cinnabon was at Terminal A.<span style=""> </span>Now if the KC airport had a cool little tram so we could have zipped over and zipped back……..<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >I mention that because Kate had said in her blog once that she wanted to hit Cinnabon at as many different airports as she could.<span style=""> </span>So being the dear friend that I am, I tried to accommodate her.<span style=""> </span>I know, I know—the sacrifices I make.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Anyway, we loaded up in the car and headed toward the area we would drop her off to meet her friend, and found a charming little restaurant to have breakfast and get acquainted.<span style=""> </span>When we went to leave (several hours later), the manager was going to charge us for laughs and giggles.<span style=""> </span>At that point, I was just glad they didn’t charge us for directions.<span style=""> </span>You see, Kate asked the waitress where the restrooms were before we sat down at our table.<span style=""> </span>So the waitress gave her a quarter turn and pointed at a sign on the wall straight ahead that said “Restrooms.”<span style=""> </span>That long, drawn out, complicated explanation could have cost us a pretty penny.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Do ya think we all hit it off?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Before we knew it, it was time to take Kate to meet the friend she was staying with, and Lainy and I had the honor of meeting him.<span style=""> </span>[Insert “Twilight Zone” music.]<span style=""> </span>Two Wolves and I think we remembered each other from different jobs we held over 20 years ago.<span style=""> </span>AND, it turns out he and his wife live—literally—just down the road from me.<span style=""> </span>What were the chances?!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >You know…if you’ve already read about most of this over at Kate’s blog………I haven’t—so tough!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >So let me tell you about the day we got to spend together. <span style=""> </span>Lainy and I picked Kate up and ran over to my house so she could see it really was only a hop, skip, and a jump away.<span style=""> </span>And then we were off….<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >…to the boats.<span style=""> </span>Mm hmm.<span style=""> </span>Turns out Kate is quite the little gambler.<span style=""> </span>But first we had to fortify ourselves, so we pigged out at the “all you can eat” buffet.<span style=""> </span>Then we went to spending money.<span style=""> </span>They’ve had riverboat gambling here for quite a few years, but this was only the third time I had been to one to actually gamble.<span style=""> </span>My winning experiences went from 50% to 66%! <span style=""> </span>Yep, I found a nickel slot that was good to me.<span style=""> </span>And Kate found a penny slot (I think it was a penny) that was even better to her!<span style=""> </span>But I won’t mention poor Lainy, because she didn’t win.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >After that, we stopped for coffee and dessert (crème brulee!!!!!) to figure out what we would do next.<span style=""> </span>Lainy’s hubby had injured himself at work the day before and she was worried about him, yada yada, so she decided to head back home.<span style=""> </span>Of course, if I had known she’d be on the phone with him most of the way, trying to dodge the tornadoes…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >But she made it safely and that way I got a chance to spend some time with Kate by myself.<span style=""> </span>We had an interesting discussion about several things—I need to see if she actually came up with a Top 10 Countdown.<span style=""> </span>I asked her about her beliefs and learned they really aren’t that far off from mine, it’s actually pretty fascinating to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Eventually, I did have to take her back to Two Wolves’.<span style=""> </span>Damn it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Those of you that know me know that I generally have a pretty good time with people. <span style=""> </span>I like to laugh and have fun, joke with waitresses or a check-out clerk.<span style=""> </span>Kind of spread the joy, right?<span style=""> </span>I don’t know if I’m contagious, or if it’s because of you people I hang around.<span style=""> </span>But I know if any of you ever get the chance to meet Kate, you’ll love her, too.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think saying “she fit right in” is as accurate as saying she’s just like naturally one of the gang.<span style=""> </span>Understand?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >So let me leave you with one of the memories from our day.</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtf__2PL1K-UgWR8EQbEwpls0i4CnCfL2IRCT6TqB3rS6S-c5Y0E5XEmS30LYVSDBJnK2WV-3CjZVEvTO5Zj3lCykwoqveWrWnEYK6JOci5zifn3-5sny-LHTJ2EIGxm7qLLpoQ/s1600-h/Kate+and+Lainy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtf__2PL1K-UgWR8EQbEwpls0i4CnCfL2IRCT6TqB3rS6S-c5Y0E5XEmS30LYVSDBJnK2WV-3CjZVEvTO5Zj3lCykwoqveWrWnEYK6JOci5zifn3-5sny-LHTJ2EIGxm7qLLpoQ/s200/Kate+and+Lainy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209906033037990178" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Geez I miss those girls.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">Now then, you might want to run over to Holly's blog and wish her a happy birthday (tell her I sent you). And if Lainy had a blog, you could do the same for her. But she doesn't, so you can't. I'll wish you both a happy birthday right here and it will be so much fun to see both of you in a few short weeks! Too bad Kate has to hang around for a grandbaby and can't make it here.</span><br /></span></p><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Flo</span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-54332187305987267662008-03-05T11:08:00.004-06:002008-03-05T11:16:31.371-06:00ICE<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Have you seen those “Deer Crossing” signs?<span style=""> </span>Some are accompanied by “next 1.5 miles” or “2 miles” or some other number.<span style=""> </span>I’ve always wondered how they determined those numbers.<span style=""> </span>I mean, did they discuss it with the deer?<span style=""> </span>Do <i style="font-weight: bold;">they</i> know they can’t go 1.7 miles—that they have to stay within 1.5 miles?<span style=""> </span>What happens when they <i style="font-weight: bold;">do</i> go outside the boundary?<span style=""> </span>And you <i style="font-weight: bold;">know</i> they’re going to do it, they’re going to push those limits and see how far they can go.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Or how about those automated phone systems?<span style=""> </span>They want you to enter your account number, date of birth, phone number, age of your firstborn, number of pets, etc.<span style=""> </span>Then when you finally get a real person on the phone, you have to repeat all that information.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Can anyone tell me why it is that your car, which has been making funny noises for days, purrs like a kitten when you take it to a mechanic?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">This one has always boggled my mind:<span style=""> </span>Why is it that every time you BEG the receptionist to squeeze your ill child into the overfull schedule during flu season, your child no longer has a fever when you get to see the doctor?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">But, that’s not why I wrote.<span style=""> </span>If any of you are still paying attention out there, check out the March 17<sup>th </sup>edition of <i><u>First</u></i> magazine.<span style=""> </span>You’ll see a great pic of someone we all know and love.<span style=""> </span>Then you’ll also understand the title of today’s blog—and be sure to spread the word.<o:p></o:p></span><br /></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Flo</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:12;" ></span></span></p>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-56398569220680303232008-01-14T10:13:00.000-06:002008-01-14T11:15:32.064-06:00Their Version vs. My Version<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have some news you might find helpful, but first, a little swipe at housecleaning.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I hope all your holidays were joyful and I wish you a new year full of blessings.<span style=""> </span>KSA and I had the pleasure of ringing in 2008 with Holly and Johnny—great to see them again, as always—and the phabulous Phlegm.<span style=""> </span>She is a delight, has the most beautiful eyes, and I am looking forward to spending more time with her in the future.<span style=""> </span>If you all could be so lucky!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Georgia’s service was very nice, complete with military honors.<span style=""> </span>She was a special lady, and I thank you for your comments.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Now then. I received this email a while back:</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Housework</span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Household chores can be a pain in the sacroiliac. Unless you’re careful, routine activities around the home – washing dishes, vacuuming, even talking on the phone – can strain your back, including the sacroiliac area near the tailbone, and result in debilitating discomfort.</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But you can protect your back by knowing the right way to go about such activities, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Consider lifting. It doesn’t matter whether you’re picking up your child or a heavy bucket of water; you need to do it the proper way to avoid injury.</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">How? Bend from the knees, not the waist. As you lift, hold the item as close to your body as possible. If you have to turn to place it, step in the direction of the turn. That way, you’re not twisting your body and straining your spine.</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:100%;">Back-Saving Tips</span></u></strong></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The ACA suggests the following do’s and don’ts for chores and relaxation:</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">When you wash dishes, open the cabinet beneath the sink, bend one knee and put your foot on the shelf under the sink. Lean against the counter so some of your weight is supported in front.</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">When ironing, raise one foot a bit. Place it on a small stool or a book to take some strain off your back.</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">To vacuum, use a “fencer’s stance.” Put all your weight on one foot, then step forward and back with the other foot as you push the vacuum forward and back. Use the back foot as a pivot when you turn.</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">While talking on the phone, don’t cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder. That can lock up the spinal joints in the neck and upper back, and cause pain, instead, hold the phone with your hand or use the speakerphone.</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">While watching television or relaxing, don’t use the sofa arm as a pillow. The angle is much too sharp for your neck. </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Use a cold pack if your back begins to hurt. Wrap an ice pack in a towel moistened with warm water. The warmth gives way to gradual cold, which likely will alleviate the discomfort. (“No ice? Try frozen veggies instead.)</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">If pain persists for more than a day or two or if you experience numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs, see a doctor of chiropractic.</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">Dr. Baker can help…</span></strong></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Although minor aches and pains can come and go, there are a few things to look for that may indicate a more serious problem. If you or a loved one experiences any of the following, please contact our office.</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">pain that radiates into your arms or legs</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">numbness or tingling</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">stiffness lasting three or more days</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">restricted motion in neck, back or any joint</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">swelling in a joint</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">repetitive pain</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">nausea, dizziness, or headaches</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">symptoms that affect your overall feeling of well being</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">Remember to Try Chiropractic and Acupuncture First!</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">That seemed a little wordy to me. I like my version MUCH better:</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2 style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Housework</strong></span></h2> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Household chores can be a pain in the sacroiliac. Unless you’re careful, routine activities around the home – washing dishes, vacuuming, even talking on the phone – can strain your back, including the sacroiliac area near the tailbone, and result in debilitating discomfort.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But you CAN protect your back—by just not doing housework.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">See how simple that was?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Flo</span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-29817579812318221962007-12-31T08:24:00.000-06:002007-12-31T08:58:02.694-06:00Georgia On My Mind<span style="color:#000066;">I met Georgia in 1980 at Officer Candidate School. You can imagine the number of memories packed into almost 28 years of friendship. Besides OCS, we shared an apartment together for a while, vacationed in Hawaii, and were bridesmaids in eachother's wedding - one week apart, 21 years ago.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Georgia gave me one of her first guitars and put together a songbook just for me. She showed me a few basic chords and how to play them, and off I went. That guitar was my stress-reliever through OCS and nursing school. Now it's something that MFD and I share.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Georgia battled ovarian cancer for over a decade and she died Saturday. She was only 49. Georgia has been an inspiration to me, and I'm sure many others, as she went through surgery and chemo. She was realistic - she knew she would die from this cancer - but she was always laughing and joking and bringing smiles to faces.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Her main goal was to live to see her daughter's high school graduation. She not only attended, she was the guest speaker. That was a year and a half ago.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">I haven't seen her in quite a while, and the last time I spoke with her was only for a few minutes. Of course she's been in pain for quite some time, and it's all been wearing her down. She's been tired and ready for a long while, but she kept going the best she could as long as she could.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">I'm very greatful for the friendship we shared and I will miss that. But she left a lot of memories and examples that I will never forget.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Thanks for the memories, Georgia, and rest in peace.</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Love and hugs,</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Flo</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">P.S. KSA and I are having a fabulous time with HollyB and JPG, and I get to meet Phlegm this evening, so I promise to post something happy soon!</span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-90724800048501298952007-11-24T12:09:00.000-06:002007-11-24T12:24:34.575-06:00Look Out...<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >…Flo is pissed.<o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Here I am, minding my own business, following up on treatment for breast cancer, cleaning the house and cooking for all the relatives that came to visit for Thanksgiving, trying to find the energy to shop and decorate for Christmas, figuring out what to do about Christmas cards, when out of the blue, in response to <a href="http://flying-flos-forum.blogspot.com/2007/01/message-from-soldier.html">this post</a> (be sure to notice the date), I receive </span><i style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">this</i><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:11;">“Flo,<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:11;"> That quote, ‘somewhere a true believer is training to kill you’ can be found here:<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:11;"> ’Somewhere a True Believer is training to kill you. He is training with minimal food or water, in austere conditions, training day and night. The only thing clean on him is his weapon and he made his web gear. He doesn't worry about what workout to do - his ruck weighs what it weighs, his runs end when the enemy stops chasing him. This True Believer is not concerned about 'how hard it is;' he knows either he wins or dies. He doesn't go home at 17:00, he is home.<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:11;"> He knows only The Cause.<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:11;"> Still want to quit?’<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:11;"> NousDefionsDoc<br />www.professionalsoldiers.com<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:11;"> Flo, you don't want to plagiarize someone elses work now do you?<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:11;"> JD<br />Adminstrator<br />ProfessionalSoldiers.com<br /></span><span style=";font-size:11;" ></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;color:black;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >Posted by JD to </span><a style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://flying-flos-forum.blogspot.com/">Flying Flo's Forum</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" > at 24 November, 2007 08:55”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" ><br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >Again, notice the date.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >I have a few things to say before I answer the question.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >First, get a life, JD.<span style=""> </span>Life is precious, and instead of searching the web for possible True Believer plagiarisms, you ought to spend some of that time with family and friends.<span style=""> </span>If I were one of them, I wouldn’t care much for your priorities if you were out making questionable comments on nearly 11-month-old blogs, instead of sitting around killing time with me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >Second, are you proud to be defending the PS website in such a way that you totally detract from the essence of a post?<span style=""> </span>Did you even read the damn post?<span style=""> </span>My sole purpose in writing that particular post was to pay homage to members of our military that were out risking their lives to defend our freedoms and lives back home.<span style=""> </span>As a former soldier, it disgusts me that you’re more concerned about proper credit being given to a quote, than about the welfare of our military.<span style=""> </span>I don’t supposed it occurred to you to say something to the effect of, “Thanks for remembering the troops, Flo!<span style=""> </span>BTW, that info about the True Believer is from a quote that can be found at PS.com.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >Maybe I’d be thanking you for pointing that out, instead of calling you a moron.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >Third, what does an “adminstrator” do?<span style=""> </span>Oh, was that a typo?<span style=""> </span>Hm, perhaps you should use a spell checker.<span style=""> </span>And a grammar checker.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >Fourth, yes, I do happen to know that quote can be found at the PS website.<span style=""> </span>I know that because you also stirred up the SOS at my friend’s blog.<span style=""> </span>Eleven months ago.<span style=""> </span>After she copied that particular post to her blog and said she had gotten it from my site.<span style=""> </span>Eleven months ago.<span style=""> </span>A little slow, aren’t you?<span style=""> </span>I also know I found several other references claiming credit for that quote, which I believe included some high mucky-muck at some elite soldier course graduation.<span style=""> </span>Just because that particular quote is located on your site doesn’t mean a thing to me.<span style=""> </span>As much of a stink as you’re raising, show some proof.<span style=""> </span>But not to me—I don’t give a rat’s ass.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >Fifth, in answer to your question:<span style=""> </span>No, I don’t want to plagiarize.<span style=""> </span>It’s a good thing I didn’t, or I might have to apologize.<span style=""> </span>According to dictionary.com, <i>plagiarism</i> means “1.) </span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work, or 2.) something used and represented in this manner.”<span style=""> </span>(plagiarism. (n.d.). <i>Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)</i>. Retrieved November 24, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/plagiarism">http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/plagiarism</a>)</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >I NEVER EVEN <i>ATTEMPTED</i> TO CLAIM <i>ANY</i> OF THAT WORK AS MY OWN.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >So fuck you and the horse you rode in on.<span style=""> </span>(Oh dear, I hope that’s not plagiarized.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >Now, as opposed to wasting time like you do, ranting about this has actually been very beneficial for me.<span style=""> </span>Because I feel EVER so much better now.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" >Flo</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-74157175228789895862007-10-16T14:43:00.000-05:002007-10-16T14:47:04.675-05:00Thank You!<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">You all are just the best!<span style=""> </span>Thank you so much for the support, and know that your prayers are working.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">It’s Holly and Lainy’s fault I haven’t written.<span style=""> </span>Holly was here last week, and Lainy got here today.<span style=""> </span>But don’t give them too hard a time, I’ve had/am having a blast and it’s keeping me out of trouble.<span style=""> </span>Well, major, bail me out of jail kind of trouble anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Surgery is tomorrow, we’re keeping it simple.<span style=""> </span>She’ll take a little more tissue from the area she took the tumor, then check lymph nodes.<span style=""> </span>If they’re clear, she’ll insert a temporary catheter into the tumor cavity.<span style=""> </span>The MRI results were fine, so as long as the final pathology report is good, there’s no fluid around the catheter, and there’s enough clearance between the catheter and the skin, I will be doing the short form of radiation.<span style=""> </span>It’s called mammosite therapy, and twice a day for five days they will insert a seed through the catheter, radiate me, then take it back out.<span style=""> </span>I’ll go for the final evaluations next week, then hopefully start the treatment the week after.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">I was going to tell you about all the fun stuff I’ve been doing, but the mind sort of just went blank.<span style=""> </span>Imagine that.<span style=""> </span>So I’ll leave it to Holly to fill you in.<span style=""> </span>I do know that she probably needed a couple of days sleep to recuperate from all the running around we did.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">I’ll get back as soon as I can.<span style=""> </span>Maybe I can get Holly to post a note about how surgery went, so check at her place.<span style=""> </span>(Is that ok Holly?<span style=""> </span>Can you do that for me?<span style=""> </span>Can ya, please?<span style=""> </span>Huh?<span style=""> </span>Ok?)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Thanks again, y’all just give me goosebumps!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Flo</span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-71912458968685431072007-09-27T12:33:00.000-05:002007-09-27T12:38:02.948-05:00Rant and Pray<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ok, well, we never went out of town.<span style=""> </span>Here’s the deal:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I received a call and the day we were supposed to leave I had to go in to see the surgeon about the pathology report on the lump that was removed from my breast.<span style=""> </span>It is ductal type cancer, however, it is very small (0.6 cm) and Stage 1.<span style=""> </span>The tumor profile came back the next day and the nurse said it was “favorable,” but I don’t know the specifics of that yet.<span style=""> </span>I had a special MRI Friday afternoon and am waiting for the results.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Right now, I basically have three options; all involve further surgery.<span style=""> </span>Option 1 is clean out a little more around the area the tumor came from.<span style=""> </span>The margins of the tumor were clear; this is just extra precaution to make sure they got it all.<span style=""> </span>Then they’ll check the lymph nodes while I’m in surgery and take some out if necessary.<span style=""> </span>Afterwards, I will have to have some type of radiation therapy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Option 2 is a mastectomy; option 3 would involve simultaneous reconstruction.<span style=""> </span>I will probably not require radiation with either of those.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We don’t know about chemotherapy yet.<span style=""> </span>I imagine that will depend on what the profile results mean, and if the MRI shows any more tumors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I know things will turn out fine.<span style=""> </span>It took a couple of days for the shaking inside to go away, and I think that mainly came from the word.<span style=""> </span>Cancer, no matter how favorable the prognosis, is a gut-clenching, kick-in-the-teeth word.<span style=""> </span>Especially if you’re not expecting it, which I wasn’t.<span style=""> </span>I think even my doctor was caught by surprise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Supposedly, a mammogram can detect tumors that can’t be felt.<span style=""> </span>This one could be felt, but didn’t show up on the mammogram.<span style=""> </span>My PCP also requested an ultrasound of the lump.<span style=""> </span>Nothing there.<span style=""> </span>When I saw the surgeon, she said of course it felt abnormal, but it didn’t feel like a tumor.<span style=""> </span>Even when she took it out, she didn’t think it felt cancerous.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">How in the hell can something that’s <i>there</i>, especially something that’s now <i>obviously</i> <i>abnormally</i> there, not be there on the films?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Anyway, as I said, I know it will be ok.<span style=""> </span>However, there are already some changes in my priorities, and the time I spend on the computer is one of them.<span style=""> </span>Right now I’m doing well to keep up with my email.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">To my daily and regular readers, I’m sorry I’m going to become scarce and unpredictable, but I want to thank all of you that have taken the time to visit.<span style=""> </span>I told MFSG that there were about a bazillion people praying for me (and she responded that she made it a bazillion and one), including a priest and an entire convent of nuns, and this simple gesture of love from my family and friends brings tears of gratitude to my eyes.<span style=""> </span>Because of the blog world, I’ve added a few more to my family, and you have brought me laughter and joy with your visits and comments and your own blogs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">May God bless each of you.<span style=""> </span>You’re all special people, and I hope to continue seeing you around here and there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">HOWEVER…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">(What?<span style=""> </span>You thought I would leave on a mushy note?<span style=""> </span>Not <i>hardly</i>!<span style=""> </span>It’s time for the rant part.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">KSA and I did get out for a couple of days last weekend.<span style=""> </span>One of the things we did was go see Jodie Foster’s new movie “<i>The Brave One</i>.”<span style=""> </span>If you haven’t seen it, and you want to see it, stop reading right here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I like Jodie Foster, I think she’s a very good actress, but I expected better of her.<span style=""> </span>This movie pissed me off.<span style=""> </span>I was ready to leave after her third violent encounter.<span style=""> </span>But I told myself:<span style=""> </span>“I know she’s usually the good guy, but surely she isn’t portraying a person who is glorified for purposely, knowingly, going-out-of-her-way calculatingly, to find and off the bad guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She is.<span style=""> </span>And she even ends up with the police detective on her side.<span style=""> </span>I was disgusted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sure, she was killing bad guys.<span style=""> </span>The first couple were even understandable.<span style=""> </span>A guy comes in a convenience store and shoots his ex, then comes looking for her when her phone starts ringing.<span style=""> </span>I’m thinking justifiable, even though her gun wasn’t registered.<span style=""> </span>So why didn’t she call 9-1-1 instead of sneaking off?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A dude is holding a knife to her throat on the subway, she blows him away.<span style=""> </span>Sure, I would, too.<span style=""> </span>I’m not sure about his buddy, though.<span style=""> </span>I don’t remember how fast it happened.<span style=""> </span>And again, she runs away.<span style=""> </span>But when she walks up to the creepy guy in the car after he calls to her, oh yeah, she’s lookin’ for trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The humor at the end also just set me off.<span style=""> </span>Then, wah-lah, she’s a heroine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She might have even been “The Brave One” if she hadn’t taken matters into her own hands.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="EmailStyle15"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Flo</span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-65688104347418496272007-09-10T10:14:00.000-05:002007-09-10T10:16:41.347-05:00I'm Leavin' On a Jet Plane<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">I <i>do</i> know when I’ll be back again, but I’m not gonna tell you, otherwise you’ll either start worrying about or yelling at me cuz I haven’t posted in ages.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">And before you start hollerin’, Lainy, I already got my excuses all lined up for why I won’t be posting while I’m gone.<span style=""> </span>Unlike Holly, who drove, I am flying.<span style=""> </span>Our hosts are picking us up and driving us around, so I don’t have personal transportation to go to the library.<span style=""> </span>And it’s not like I’m going to visit my brother, either.<span style=""> </span>It’s a guy KSA worked with that retired, so it wouldn’t be very polite of me to help myself to his computer.<span style=""> </span>If he even has one.<span style=""> </span>With his view of the mountains, <b><i>I</i></b> sure as heck wouldn’t!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">We’re headed toward Minden, NV and some kind of air races.<span style=""> </span>Evidently I’ll be allowed to attend one day, whereas the men folk will be going twice.<span style=""> </span>I think I might be flying in a glider, too, and I’m hoping I don’t puke.<span style=""> </span>I heard mention of Napa Valley, but I’m not sure.<span style=""> </span>Isn’t that in California?<span style=""> </span>I hope I don’t need my passport, I’m not even sure it’s current.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Y’all be good while I’m gone, cuz I ain’t comin’ back to bail you out of jail.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Flo<br /><br />P.S. I see MFSG has visited some. Everybody wave and tell her hi!<br /></span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-1738354406289525482007-09-08T12:32:00.000-05:002007-09-08T12:39:45.282-05:00Talk Around the Water Cooler<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Technical;font-size:14;" >There are a couple of women leaning against either side of the door jamb, just inside the kitchen.<span style=""> </span>This poor dude walks up to the two on his way into the kitchen, and asks one of the women if she needs to stay on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary">rosary</a> list.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Technical;font-size:14;" >Woman 1:<span style=""> </span>Yes, please, I’d really appreciate it.<o:p></o:p><br />Woman 2:<span style=""> </span>So when are you having it done?<o:p></o:p><br />Woman 1:<span style=""> </span>Tomorrow.<o:p></o:p><br />Woman 2:<span style=""> </span>You know, I still have like a dent where I had it done several years ago.<o:p></o:p><br />Woman 1:<span style=""> </span>Really?<span style=""> </span>Was it a needle biopsy or did they take it completely out?<o:p></o:p><br />Woman 2:<span style=""> </span>Just a needle biopsy—I don’t have that much there to begin with.<o:p></o:p><br />Woman 1:<span style=""> </span>I know exactly what you mean!<o:p></o:p><br />Woman 2:<span style=""> </span>You know, one side is bigger than the other.<o:p></o:p><br />Woman 1:<span style=""> </span>I know, and they’re taking it out of the one that’s smaller to begin with!<o:p></o:p><br />Poor Dude:<span style=""> </span>Excuse me ladies, you’re getting a little technical on me here.<span style=""> </span>I think I’ll just slide on by you and grab me some fruit and crackers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Technical;font-size:14;" >+++++++++++++++++++<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Technical;font-size:14;" >So Lovi calls me the day after my biopsy, checking up to see how I was doing.<span style=""> </span>She asked how big the lump was.<span style=""> </span>I said I didn’t know, maybe the size of a pea, maybe less.<span style=""> </span>So she says, “Do ya still have a boob left?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Technical;font-size:14;" >Don’t ya just love sisters?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Technical;font-size:14;" >Bitch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style=";font-family:Technical;font-size:14;" >Flo</span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-72314335874625896582007-09-06T16:27:00.000-05:002007-09-06T16:31:26.317-05:00Stadol vs. Versed<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">This morning, Holly and I were discussing the benefits of Versed.<span style=""> </span>I think she’s even written a blog about it, IIRC.<span style=""> </span>Yesterday, I had, I <i>think</i>, my first experience with it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">See, I went to see the breast surgeon Tuesday.<span style=""> </span>She’s pretty confident it’s nothing to be concerned about, but we decided to take the lump out for peace of mind.<span style=""> </span>KSA and I are going out of town next week, and the only time the surgeon had open before then was Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">So off I go for outpatient surgery yesterday.<span style=""> </span>They gave me what I think they called “anesthesia with sedation,” and one of the drugs they used was Versed.<span style=""> </span>It was good, I was nicely sedated.<span style=""> </span>They said I’d go to sleep nice and wake up nice.<span style=""> </span>I don’t know how nice I was, but I did wake up easily, surprised it was all over.<span style=""> </span>And I was tired the rest of the day, but not groggy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">So yes, I have to say that the Versed did relax me.<span style=""> </span>However, Stadol made me feel Oh So Good.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">I had Stadol when I was in labor with both of the kids.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t have a whole lot of time to experience its effects with MFS, but I was laying on my back, looking up at KSA, and his eyes were suddenly SO blue.<span style=""> </span>They were about the purtiest blue eyes I ever did see!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Well, it was a whole different story with MFD.<span style=""> </span>(Of course, what else would you expect?)<span style=""> </span>I’m sitting up in bed, they’re pushing the Stadol as I’m having a contraction.<span style=""> </span>I’m starting to feel <i>really </i>good, floating along, and suddenly, I’m feeling so good I’m laughing.<span style=""> </span>Practically hysterically.<span style=""> </span>I couldn’t stop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">In the mean time, MFS is sitting on my mom’s lap, looking at me, and says, “Not funny, Mommy.<span style=""> </span>NOT funny, Mommy!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">KSA’s eyes didn’t turn as blue that time, though.<span style=""> </span>Then again, the back of her head was pressing on my back, so instead of looking at his eyes, I was yelling at him to “get her out of there!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">I still do think I prefer my Stadol.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Flo</span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-39609137496204835362007-09-06T16:25:00.000-05:002007-09-06T16:27:19.627-05:00Thank You<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">When it’s more than just Lainy checking up on me, I know I have been horribly remiss in posting.<span style=""> </span>I’m so lucky to have the family and friends that I do, including my blog family.<span style=""> </span>It really brings tears to my eyes when I think of your concern.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Thanks for asking about me, I’m sorry to have worried you and I’ll try not to do it again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Flo</span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-78996638823496584262007-08-30T07:10:00.000-05:002007-08-30T07:20:36.810-05:00In A Funk<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">I’ve been a bit “off” here for a couple of weeks.<span style=""> </span>Have you ever felt like there’s something wrong, but nothing you can pinpoint?<span style=""> </span>Like it wouldn’t take much for you to start crying?<span style=""> </span>You’ve got plenty you should be doing, but just can’t give yourself that little push to get started?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Well then, you might be suffering from depression.<span style=""> </span>But I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Ah, still got a sense of humor.<span style=""> </span>There may be hope for me yet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Actually, I am a bit disgusted with this whole “life” situation.<span style=""> </span>You know, my body has been falling apart for years.<span style=""> </span>The eyesight is going, my knees and neck sound like Rice Krispies, arthritis occasionally flairs up in a thumb, I’ve got carpal tunnel, a couple of bad discs, high blood pressure, I tend to be hot, my memory stinks, and I’ll spare my male readers the details of my monthly ordeals.<span style=""> </span>You’re welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">So I go in for my annual exam a couple of weeks ago.<span style=""> </span>I’ve got a few things I bring up to the doc—my BP meds are making me cough, I’m really fed up with my monthly ordeals, and a couple of other minor complaints.<span style=""> </span>She orders tests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">I go the next day for my mammogram, sonogram of a lump the doc found, and a pelvic sonogram.<span style=""> </span>They always give me the results of my mammogram before I leave, and they said that it and the ultrasound were normal.<span style=""> </span>Yeah, well, I still get the pleasure of consulting with a surgeon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">I had to wait for them to send the result of the pelvic ultrasound to my doc.<span style=""> </span>Ladies, if you haven’t had a pelvic ultrasound lately, evidently current SOP calls for two views, the usual one directly on the abdomen, and another one from </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Technical;">inside</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Technical;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">that is supposed to give them a better view of the ovaries.<span style=""> </span>Except after all that, she still had to go back for an abdominal view of my right ovary because it was so high up.<span style=""> </span>Turns out I have an ovarian cyst and a thickened endometrium, so I also get to see a gyn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">As if all that isn’t bad enough, the doc also checked my hormone levels.<span style=""> </span>They’re normal.<span style=""> </span>NORMAL.<span style=""> </span>I am NOT peri-menopausal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">All these years I’ve been telling myself, “Just a little bit longer.”<span style=""> </span>And I haven’t even started!!!<span style=""> </span>This SO sucks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">It’s all my mother’s fault, you know.<span style=""> </span>And stupid me asked when she finally started going through menopause.<span style=""> </span>I think she lied.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">And poor KSA doesn’t have a clue how much worse things are going to get.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">However, there is good news.<span style=""> </span>I went for recertification last week and I am now qualified to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_External_Defibrillator">shock the shit</a> out of you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Flo</span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-3434150336234701322007-08-28T09:10:00.000-05:002007-08-28T09:17:03.989-05:00I Must Be The Youngest Mother Alive...<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">…because my daughter seems to think I was born yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Our adorable church accompanist is leaving in a couple of weeks to attend the Berkley College of Music in Boston.<span style=""> </span>So we had a nice little reception for her after Mass the other day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">After a while, I noticed MFD wasn’t around and when a couple others asked where she was, I went out to see if her car was still there or if she had just up and left.<span style=""> </span>She was sitting on the curb by her car, talking with one of the ensemble members.<span style=""> </span>She said she wasn’t feeling well and had gone outside for some fresh air.<span style=""> </span>So I told her the guest of honor wanted to talk to her and she needed to be getting back inside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">She came inside a little bit later with a big grin on her face and some kid trailing behind her.<span style=""> </span>She told me That Kid drove for a whole hour to surprise her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Surprise.<span style=""> </span>Uh huh.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">So we have a little discussion when That Kid is gone:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Me:<span style=""> </span>So how did That Kid happen to know to surprise you at church?<o:p></o:p><br />MFD:<span style=""> </span>Well, I had told him that we were having a little party and I be hanging out for a while after church.<o:p></o:p><br />Me:<span style=""> </span>Uh huh.<span style=""> </span>So, you didn’t invite him to meet you?<o:p></o:p><br />MFD:<span style=""> </span>No.<o:p></o:p><br />Me:<span style=""> </span>So he decides to crash the party?<span style=""> </span>Invites himself to this party for someone he doesn’t know?<o:p></o:p><br />MFD:<span style=""> </span>I guess so.<o:p></o:p><br />Me:<span style=""> </span>So how did you happen to meet this kid if he lives an hour away?<o:p></o:p><br />MFD:<span style=""> </span>Well, somehow, he and the members of his band managed to get in to the Back to School Dance.<o:p></o:p><br />Me:<span style=""> </span>Really?<span style=""> </span>The dance that was for OHS students only.<o:p></o:p><br />MFD:<span style=""> </span>Yeah.<o:p></o:p><br />Me:<span style=""> </span>Uh huh.<span style=""> </span>So these non-OHS kids got into a dance they weren’t supposed to be at, and none of the chaperones noticed anything.<o:p></o:p><br />MFD:<span style=""> </span>I guess.<o:p></o:p><br />Me:<span style=""> </span>You know, this just isn’t sounding right.<o:p></o:p><br />MFD:<span style=""> </span>Well I don’t know what else to tell you.<o:p></o:p><br />Me:<span style=""> </span>I guess the truth would be a little too much to ask, huh?<span style=""> </span>So you’re telling me you’re ok with a guy that thinks nothing of being rude or breaking rules?<o:p></o:p><br />MFD:<span style=""> </span>I didn’t look at it like that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Oh, now I get it.<span style=""> </span>I wasn’t born yesterday, but obviously I’m suffering a concussion from falling off the turnip truck.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Flo</span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-18406711435328363202007-08-26T07:34:00.000-05:002007-08-26T07:41:05.653-05:00Gift Idea<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style=";font-family:Technical;font-size:14;" >You know, it’s never too early to start shopping for Christmas.<span style=""> </span>Here’s one for the Democrat that has everything:<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEELbiZJM0mUqfUTTDSA2y6HnvN-Z2o5_5Iaq21cE4VSuizrI_betEIJtTlw6yRAMf6NNwSooDNJgusTVVpkM3pCG_8vU_VJtxEWihsvO4kmMbu6XrfpzeGHdB0_gXgeDbFqSPg/s1600-h/ATT001021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEELbiZJM0mUqfUTTDSA2y6HnvN-Z2o5_5Iaq21cE4VSuizrI_betEIJtTlw6yRAMf6NNwSooDNJgusTVVpkM3pCG_8vU_VJtxEWihsvO4kmMbu6XrfpzeGHdB0_gXgeDbFqSPg/s200/ATT001021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102987460817744722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style=";font-family:Technical;font-size:14;" >Flo</span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-90626262074681726822007-08-24T13:50:00.000-05:002007-08-24T13:56:18.538-05:00Check This Out!<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">My crusty ol’ CWO sent me <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130144061675#description">this link</a> to an unusual eBay listing.<span style=""> </span>Just from seeing the picture, I couldn’t understand what the big deal was until I started reading the description.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">I was hooked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Dawn has a <a href="http://mom2my6pack.blogspot.com">blog</a>, and I’ve read every single one of her posts. <span style=""> </span>Fortunately, she just started in June.<span style=""> </span>In that short amount of time, she has logged over 130,000 visits to her site, and almost 13,000 views of her profile.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Don’t I feel like the little pipsqueak?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">I enjoyed all of her stories, but a couple that really stick in my mind are her very first one, then one I believe this month about dieting.<span style=""> </span>I’m sure I won’t be the only one that will take up her calorie counting ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">The woman is a hoot—she has to be, I’m sure, if she wants to retain any piece of sanity while raising 6 (yes, six) kids.<span style=""> </span>Pay her a visit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Technical;">Flo</span></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36304855.post-53684012800308674942007-08-22T14:54:00.001-05:002007-08-22T15:10:54.611-05:00I LOVE This!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:verdana;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">We must have had the same mom! Enjoy!<br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VlY8STkhopc"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VlY8STkhopc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object><br /></span>Flohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399341816112338080noreply@blogger.com4