OheMGee Woman, Get a Life Already

I just want to punch her in the throat.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Disagreeing is a common occurrence, especially in election season.  Friends and family often disagree.  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.

In other words, Mary, shut up.

Hugs,
Flo

Doing My Part to Save Some Souls

First I'll let you read one homily and/or watch another, then I'll add my own comments.

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):

"29th Sunday Ordinary Time:
     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.'
     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.
     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?
     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.
     As the Catholic Church teaches, we need to have an informed conscience to help direct us how it is we are to vote, and voting in a way that is in accord with our Catholic Faith.
     There are issues to vote on that are subject to the prudential judgment 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.
     There are issues, however, which relate to intrinsic evils. Intrinsically evil acts are acts that are evil at the object, meaning, what it is that a person is hoping to achieve. Intrinsically evil acts can NEVER at any time, at any circumstance be endorsed, enabled, or even promoted by a faithful Catholic.
     Thanks be to God neither candidate is wanting to legalize an intrinsic evil, at least on the surface, 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.
     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.
     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.
     Now, this candidate does not use the word 'abortion.' Instead the candidate uses words such as 'choice' or 'Women's Health' or 'reproductive rights' 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.
     Abortion is what I referenced to earlier as an intrinsic evil. It is an intrinsic evil because it is evil at its object, meaning there is nothing that can make abortion somehow 'good.' Absolutely nothing. 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.
     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).
      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.
     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.'
     God has told us vividly when 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 must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being' (CCC 2274). Once again, those are not my words. Those are the words of the Catholic Church.
     Now, to take a breather, if one has had an abortion or who has been somehow involved with one, do not think for one second that God does not love you. 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.
     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.
     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, and the possible election results should frighten you as a Catholic.
     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.
     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 supporting, enabling, or promoting of abortion. 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.
     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 grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent.' Now, abortion is grave matter, which does include supporting a candidate who endorses abortion and seeks to expand it. Full knowledge: as of now, from my preaching, you do have full knowledge about abortion and it being an intrinsic evil. Deliberate Consent: 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.
     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.
     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.
     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.
     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.'
     This homily, my friends, is me preaching the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. This is NOT 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.
     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, and the truth will set you free' (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.

 (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
A link to the video of him giving his homily can be found here: https://tomperna.org/2016/10/."

And here is a link to the actual video of Fr. John Lankeit giving his own homily: https://youtu.be/881aDDE5qFY 

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?

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.

God bless,
Flo

My Two Cents

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.

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.

I read an article 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."

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.


Flo

We Are Well, and Truly, Screwed

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.

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.

A critical election that many don't seem to fathom.

Gracious, do I seem to have lost a trace of tact?  Maybe they took it with everything else they took out of my body.

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.

KSA, MFS, and MFD are all doing well.  Maybe I'll come back and fill you in one of these days.

Take care of yourselves,
Flo

Well!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Flo

Ratcheting Racial Remarks

Found this in an article 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.

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.

'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.”

Seriously? Sensitive issues?

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. 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.

B-O said the police overreacted by making an arrest; however, the professor also overreacted. Hm. Which one came first? Would there have even been an arrest if the professor hadn’t overreacted? Or perhaps, would there have been a sincere apology to him for the misunderstanding if he had merely cooperated?

I take anything “reported” with a grain of salt, but here’s what it sounds like: The officers were responding to a call according to procedure. Instead of laughing it off and saying: “Are you serious? Look, here’s my ID,” the professor became belligerent and pulled the “Do you know who I am?” number.

I know there are racists out there, and situations like this add fuel to the fodder. That doesn’t make it right. But the Jesse Jacksons and Al Sharptons are the types that instigate racial issues, when there is none. Instead, they should be championing obvious, intentional racism. Crying wolf when there isn’t one doesn’t get the job done. I would like to think most of us are appalled at racism and would get behind a just cause.

However, I don’t care if you’re the president. If you’re acting suspiciously, the police are entitled to investigate, whether you are black, white, red, yellow, or all/none of the above.

Flo

What Is a Loan?

Help me out here. I saw the following quote in an article today about the auto industry’s economic woes:

“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.”

Why wouldn’t they have to repay the government “loans?” Isn’t everybody required to repay his or her “loans?”

What a bunch of hogwash.

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? 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? Notice I said 12 months, as opposed to the 3 ½ months the carmakers have.

I saw a promo, possibly for the evening news, a few nights ago. It was a woman (the governor of Michigan, perhaps?) saying something like: congress has pledged billions to bail out the banking industry, but the auto industry has to beg on bended knee. How fair is that?

Good grief. Hasn’t she learned life isn’t always fair? She sounded like a whiny two-year old.

I am seriously worried that our country will not survive four years of a democrat run white-house and congress. 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.

And the Republican Party better wake up, choose a promising leader or two, and start promoting that person(s). The sooner the better. NOW would be good.

Flo

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.

ACTIONS Speak Louder Than WORDS

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:

This is NOT a man PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.

For those of you that don’t know, I am adamantly opposed to abortion. I’m not sure exactly where I stand on gay rights, but I do not support gay marriage. I worry about American values and morals. Where are our priorities? 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.

However, if those are not the issues that concern you the most, I hope the picture will appeal to your patriotic side. 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.

God bless us all,
Flo

Vote Your Conscience

Catholic or not, this is THE 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.

Flo

I Need a Job

You know. The kind where you go to work so you can get some rest. That’s what one of my friends said at a meeting that was one of several commitments I had again last week.

But let’s not speak of commitments. Especially since Lainy thinks I’ve had nothing to do since she left, therefore, I should have written a blog two days afterwards. Then tries to blame her impatience on Kate. Ha!

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. Because, you know, all I do is sit around and eat bon-bons and watch TV.

But I digress.

Kate flew in to see another dear friend of hers in the area. I say “another” because now we’re dear friends, too, which was only to be expected. 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. Unfortunately, Kansas City does not have a very convenient terminal set-up when it comes to food. We were at Terminal C and the Cinnabon was at Terminal A. Now if the KC airport had a cool little tram so we could have zipped over and zipped back……..

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. So being the dear friend that I am, I tried to accommodate her. I know, I know—the sacrifices I make.

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. When we went to leave (several hours later), the manager was going to charge us for laughs and giggles. At that point, I was just glad they didn’t charge us for directions. You see, Kate asked the waitress where the restrooms were before we sat down at our table. So the waitress gave her a quarter turn and pointed at a sign on the wall straight ahead that said “Restrooms.” That long, drawn out, complicated explanation could have cost us a pretty penny.

Do ya think we all hit it off?

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. [Insert “Twilight Zone” music.] Two Wolves and I think we remembered each other from different jobs we held over 20 years ago. AND, it turns out he and his wife live—literally—just down the road from me. What were the chances?!

You know…if you’ve already read about most of this over at Kate’s blog………I haven’t—so tough!

So let me tell you about the day we got to spend together. 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. And then we were off….

…to the boats. Mm hmm. Turns out Kate is quite the little gambler. But first we had to fortify ourselves, so we pigged out at the “all you can eat” buffet. Then we went to spending money. 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. My winning experiences went from 50% to 66%! Yep, I found a nickel slot that was good to me. And Kate found a penny slot (I think it was a penny) that was even better to her! But I won’t mention poor Lainy, because she didn’t win.

After that, we stopped for coffee and dessert (crème brulee!!!!!) to figure out what we would do next. 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. Of course, if I had known she’d be on the phone with him most of the way, trying to dodge the tornadoes…

But she made it safely and that way I got a chance to spend some time with Kate by myself. We had an interesting discussion about several things—I need to see if she actually came up with a Top 10 Countdown. I asked her about her beliefs and learned they really aren’t that far off from mine, it’s actually pretty fascinating to me.

Eventually, I did have to take her back to Two Wolves’. Damn it.

Those of you that know me know that I generally have a pretty good time with people. I like to laugh and have fun, joke with waitresses or a check-out clerk. Kind of spread the joy, right? I don’t know if I’m contagious, or if it’s because of you people I hang around. But I know if any of you ever get the chance to meet Kate, you’ll love her, too. I don’t think saying “she fit right in” is as accurate as saying she’s just like naturally one of the gang. Understand?

So let me leave you with one of the memories from our day.

Geez I miss those girls.

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.

Flo

ICE

Have you seen those “Deer Crossing” signs? Some are accompanied by “next 1.5 miles” or “2 miles” or some other number. I’ve always wondered how they determined those numbers. I mean, did they discuss it with the deer? Do they know they can’t go 1.7 miles—that they have to stay within 1.5 miles? What happens when they do go outside the boundary? And you know they’re going to do it, they’re going to push those limits and see how far they can go.

Or how about those automated phone systems? They want you to enter your account number, date of birth, phone number, age of your firstborn, number of pets, etc. Then when you finally get a real person on the phone, you have to repeat all that information.

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?

This one has always boggled my mind: 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?

But, that’s not why I wrote. If any of you are still paying attention out there, check out the March 17^th edition of First magazine. You’ll see a great pic of someone we all know and love. Then you’ll also understand the title of today’s blog—and be sure to spread the word.

Flo

Their Version vs. My Version

I have some news you might find helpful, but first, a little swipe at housecleaning.

I hope all your holidays were joyful and I wish you a new year full of blessings. 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. She is a delight, has the most beautiful eyes, and I am looking forward to spending more time with her in the future. If you all could be so lucky!

Georgia’s service was very nice, complete with military honors. She was a special lady, and I thank you for your comments.

Now then. I received this email a while back:

Housework

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.

But you can protect your back by knowing the right way to go about such activities, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

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.

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.

Back-Saving Tips

The ACA suggests the following do’s and don’ts for chores and relaxation:

- 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.

- When ironing, raise one foot a bit. Place it on a small stool or a book to take some strain off your back.

- 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.

- 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.

- While watching television or relaxing, don’t use the sofa arm as a pillow. The angle is much too sharp for your neck.

- 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.)

- 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.

Dr. Baker can help…

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.

- pain that radiates into your arms or legs

- numbness or tingling

- stiffness lasting three or more days

- restricted motion in neck, back or any joint

- swelling in a joint

- repetitive pain

- nausea, dizziness, or headaches

- symptoms that affect your overall feeling of well being

Remember to Try Chiropractic and Acupuncture First!

That seemed a little wordy to me. I like my version MUCH better:

Housework

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.

But you CAN protect your back—by just not doing housework.

See how simple that was?

Flo

Georgia On My Mind

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for the memories, Georgia, and rest in peace.

Love and hugs,
Flo

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!

Look Out...

…Flo is pissed.

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 this post (be sure to notice the date), I receive this:

“Flo,

That quote, ‘somewhere a true believer is training to kill you’ can be found here:

’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.

He knows only The Cause.

Still want to quit?’

NousDefionsDoc
www.professionalsoldiers.com

Flo, you don't want to plagiarize someone elses work now do you?

JD
Adminstrator
ProfessionalSoldiers.com

Posted by JD to Flying Flo's Forum at 24 November, 2007 08:55”

Again, notice the date.

I have a few things to say before I answer the question.

First, get a life, JD. 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. 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.

Second, are you proud to be defending the PS website in such a way that you totally detract from the essence of a post? Did you even read the damn post? 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. 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. I don’t supposed it occurred to you to say something to the effect of, “Thanks for remembering the troops, Flo! BTW, that info about the True Believer is from a quote that can be found at PS.com.”

Maybe I’d be thanking you for pointing that out, instead of calling you a moron.

Third, what does an “adminstrator” do? Oh, was that a typo? Hm, perhaps you should use a spell checker. And a grammar checker.

Fourth, yes, I do happen to know that quote can be found at the PS website. I know that because you also stirred up the SOS at my friend’s blog. Eleven months ago. After she copied that particular post to her blog and said she had gotten it from my site. Eleven months ago. A little slow, aren’t you? 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. Just because that particular quote is located on your site doesn’t mean a thing to me. As much of a stink as you’re raising, show some proof. But not to me—I don’t give a rat’s ass.

Fifth, in answer to your question: No, I don’t want to plagiarize. It’s a good thing I didn’t, or I might have to apologize. According to dictionary.com, plagiarism means “1.) 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.” (plagiarism. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved November 24, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/plagiarism).

I NEVER EVEN ATTEMPTED TO CLAIM ANY OF THAT WORK AS MY OWN.

So fuck you and the horse you rode in on. (Oh dear, I hope that’s not plagiarized.)

Now, as opposed to wasting time like you do, ranting about this has actually been very beneficial for me. Because I feel EVER so much better now.

Flo

Thank You!

You all are just the best! Thank you so much for the support, and know that your prayers are working.

It’s Holly and Lainy’s fault I haven’t written. Holly was here last week, and Lainy got here today. But don’t give them too hard a time, I’ve had/am having a blast and it’s keeping me out of trouble. Well, major, bail me out of jail kind of trouble anyway.

Surgery is tomorrow, we’re keeping it simple. She’ll take a little more tissue from the area she took the tumor, then check lymph nodes. If they’re clear, she’ll insert a temporary catheter into the tumor cavity. 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. 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. I’ll go for the final evaluations next week, then hopefully start the treatment the week after.

I was going to tell you about all the fun stuff I’ve been doing, but the mind sort of just went blank. Imagine that. So I’ll leave it to Holly to fill you in. I do know that she probably needed a couple of days sleep to recuperate from all the running around we did.

I’ll get back as soon as I can. Maybe I can get Holly to post a note about how surgery went, so check at her place. (Is that ok Holly? Can you do that for me? Can ya, please? Huh? Ok?)

Thanks again, y’all just give me goosebumps!

Flo

Rant and Pray

Ok, well, we never went out of town. Here’s the deal:

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. It is ductal type cancer, however, it is very small (0.6 cm) and Stage 1. 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. I had a special MRI Friday afternoon and am waiting for the results.

Right now, I basically have three options; all involve further surgery. Option 1 is clean out a little more around the area the tumor came from. The margins of the tumor were clear; this is just extra precaution to make sure they got it all. Then they’ll check the lymph nodes while I’m in surgery and take some out if necessary. Afterwards, I will have to have some type of radiation therapy.

Option 2 is a mastectomy; option 3 would involve simultaneous reconstruction. I will probably not require radiation with either of those.

We don’t know about chemotherapy yet. I imagine that will depend on what the profile results mean, and if the MRI shows any more tumors.

I know things will turn out fine. It took a couple of days for the shaking inside to go away, and I think that mainly came from the word. Cancer, no matter how favorable the prognosis, is a gut-clenching, kick-in-the-teeth word. Especially if you’re not expecting it, which I wasn’t. I think even my doctor was caught by surprise.

Supposedly, a mammogram can detect tumors that can’t be felt. This one could be felt, but didn’t show up on the mammogram. My PCP also requested an ultrasound of the lump. Nothing there. When I saw the surgeon, she said of course it felt abnormal, but it didn’t feel like a tumor. Even when she took it out, she didn’t think it felt cancerous.

How in the hell can something that’s there, especially something that’s now obviously abnormally there, not be there on the films?

Anyway, as I said, I know it will be ok. However, there are already some changes in my priorities, and the time I spend on the computer is one of them. Right now I’m doing well to keep up with my email.

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. 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. 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.

May God bless each of you. You’re all special people, and I hope to continue seeing you around here and there.

HOWEVER…

(What? You thought I would leave on a mushy note? Not hardly! It’s time for the rant part.)

KSA and I did get out for a couple of days last weekend. One of the things we did was go see Jodie Foster’s new movie “The Brave One.” If you haven’t seen it, and you want to see it, stop reading right here.

I like Jodie Foster, I think she’s a very good actress, but I expected better of her. This movie pissed me off. I was ready to leave after her third violent encounter. But I told myself: “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.”

She is. And she even ends up with the police detective on her side. I was disgusted.

Sure, she was killing bad guys. The first couple were even understandable. A guy comes in a convenience store and shoots his ex, then comes looking for her when her phone starts ringing. I’m thinking justifiable, even though her gun wasn’t registered. So why didn’t she call 9-1-1 instead of sneaking off?

A dude is holding a knife to her throat on the subway, she blows him away. Sure, I would, too. I’m not sure about his buddy, though. I don’t remember how fast it happened. And again, she runs away. But when she walks up to the creepy guy in the car after he calls to her, oh yeah, she’s lookin’ for trouble.

The humor at the end also just set me off. Then, wah-lah, she’s a heroine.

She might have even been “The Brave One” if she hadn’t taken matters into her own hands.

Flo

I'm Leavin' On a Jet Plane

I do 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.

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. Unlike Holly, who drove, I am flying. Our hosts are picking us up and driving us around, so I don’t have personal transportation to go to the library. And it’s not like I’m going to visit my brother, either. It’s a guy KSA worked with that retired, so it wouldn’t be very polite of me to help myself to his computer. If he even has one. With his view of the mountains, I sure as heck wouldn’t!

We’re headed toward Minden, NV and some kind of air races. Evidently I’ll be allowed to attend one day, whereas the men folk will be going twice. I think I might be flying in a glider, too, and I’m hoping I don’t puke. I heard mention of Napa Valley, but I’m not sure. Isn’t that in California? I hope I don’t need my passport, I’m not even sure it’s current.

Y’all be good while I’m gone, cuz I ain’t comin’ back to bail you out of jail.

Flo

P.S. I see MFSG has visited some. Everybody wave and tell her hi!

Talk Around the Water Cooler

There are a couple of women leaning against either side of the door jamb, just inside the kitchen. 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 rosary list.

Woman 1: Yes, please, I’d really appreciate it.
Woman 2: So when are you having it done?
Woman 1: Tomorrow.
Woman 2: You know, I still have like a dent where I had it done several years ago.
Woman 1: Really? Was it a needle biopsy or did they take it completely out?
Woman 2: Just a needle biopsy—I don’t have that much there to begin with.
Woman 1: I know exactly what you mean!
Woman 2: You know, one side is bigger than the other.
Woman 1: I know, and they’re taking it out of the one that’s smaller to begin with!
Poor Dude: Excuse me ladies, you’re getting a little technical on me here. I think I’ll just slide on by you and grab me some fruit and crackers.

+++++++++++++++++++

So Lovi calls me the day after my biopsy, checking up to see how I was doing. She asked how big the lump was. I said I didn’t know, maybe the size of a pea, maybe less. So she says, “Do ya still have a boob left?”

Don’t ya just love sisters?

Bitch.

Flo

Stadol vs. Versed

This morning, Holly and I were discussing the benefits of Versed. I think she’s even written a blog about it, IIRC. Yesterday, I had, I think, my first experience with it.

See, I went to see the breast surgeon Tuesday. She’s pretty confident it’s nothing to be concerned about, but we decided to take the lump out for peace of mind. KSA and I are going out of town next week, and the only time the surgeon had open before then was Wednesday.

So off I go for outpatient surgery yesterday. They gave me what I think they called “anesthesia with sedation,” and one of the drugs they used was Versed. It was good, I was nicely sedated. They said I’d go to sleep nice and wake up nice. I don’t know how nice I was, but I did wake up easily, surprised it was all over. And I was tired the rest of the day, but not groggy.

So yes, I have to say that the Versed did relax me. However, Stadol made me feel Oh So Good.

I had Stadol when I was in labor with both of the kids. 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. They were about the purtiest blue eyes I ever did see!

Well, it was a whole different story with MFD. (Of course, what else would you expect?) I’m sitting up in bed, they’re pushing the Stadol as I’m having a contraction. I’m starting to feel really good, floating along, and suddenly, I’m feeling so good I’m laughing. Practically hysterically. I couldn’t stop.

In the mean time, MFS is sitting on my mom’s lap, looking at me, and says, “Not funny, Mommy. NOT funny, Mommy!”

KSA’s eyes didn’t turn as blue that time, though. 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!”

I still do think I prefer my Stadol.

Flo

Thank You

When it’s more than just Lainy checking up on me, I know I have been horribly remiss in posting. I’m so lucky to have the family and friends that I do, including my blog family. It really brings tears to my eyes when I think of your concern.

Thanks for asking about me, I’m sorry to have worried you and I’ll try not to do it again.

Flo