my sister

Had a visit from my sister and her husband the last 2 days. I enjoyed it so much, I thought it was worthy of a blog. When we were growing up, we didn't get along that good. I must have been the bratty little sister. As our own children were growing up, things were good. But I wouldn't say we were best friends. She was pretty busy making a living and raising her kids. Her husband had a job that was weather dependent, so her paycheck was a must. Me, on the other hand, had it pretty easy on myself because Wayne always had a great steady job. And for the most part, I was able to be a housewife, although I did clean houses for almost 30 years parttime. But I never had to depend on myself like she had to do. 2 years ago we lost our oldest sister to cancer. That was a very rude awakening I think for both of us. Since then, we have coveted the time we have together. My sister got to retire last summer and I was so happy for her. She deserves it, she has worked HARD all her life. I think she's a much more relaxed and happy person now.

On this visit, I was comfortable enough to unload my burdens with her. She listened and was so understanding. She could have thought--well girl, you've had it pretty easy, don't cry on my shoulder. But that was not her reaction at all. She has really been supportive and has helped in ways she could.

Since my oldest sister died, we have made a point to tell each other we love one another. I think it was awkward at first, but now it's music to my ears.

Love your siblings, once they're gone-they're gone.

Chocolate

Chocolate belongs on a page all by itself. In no way does chocolate compare to smoking. Yes, it may be a sort of addiction, as I for one can testify; but I was wrong to suggest it was something to GIVE UP! GOD FORBID!!! Bear with me a minute:

Chocolate comes in many different versions. Although tobacco has different brands, they're basically the same.

Chocolate doesn't offend other people when one partakes. Whereas, smoking pollutes the air others around you breathe.

Chocolate is not harmful to one's health; except for overdosing(which normally calls for a potty break) Tobacco on the other hand---blah, blah, blah, we all know the hazards, so I won't go there.

Chocolate in the darkest form has recently been proven to be helpful to one's health as it is an antioxidant. YEA!!! To my knowledge, tobacco has no good benefit.

Chocolate does not come with filters to be later stuck in a potted plant or in the lake, or someones yard. In fact one can be caught licking the wrapper of chocolate to get every last morsel. (That's very embarassing) Yes, I know, there are a few idiots who litter with the wrappers, but not to the extent of the butts I see lying around or stuck in the dirt of a pot plant as if it's a Jobe fertilizer stick.

Chocolate is accepted by the FDA to add to recipes or to comsume by itself. Hee! Hee! Getting carried away aren't I? Tobacco has become TABOO

Chocolate doesn't smell up one's hair, skin or clothes. It doesn't discolor one's teeth or dry up one's skin. Tobacco- well, you know.

Chocolate doesn't require one to acquire the taste for it. One doesn't go thru misery to decide " yeah, this is what I've been looking for all my life" I'm sorry, I sense a bit of sarcastic humor spilling over. Anyway, with chocolate-you take it or leave it on the first try. Taste buds kind-of rule on it.

BUT, chocolate leave a sensational feeling of pleasure and contentment as I'm told tobacco does also. And so, comes the feeling of wanting more of it and wanting it on a regular basis. So, that takes me back to the beginning of comparing the two. In that sense, I can't imagine a life without chocolate, and it would be very hard to give it up if the dr. told me I had to for my health. But I can't compare it to trying to quit smoking. Those of you that want to quit, I really do feel for you in your quest to do so, should your decision be to quit.

What I have decided to do, instead is to exercise regularly. I do this for myself, b/c I know I need to. But it will be a challenge for me, maybe not as big as quitting smokes, b/c I've been out of practice so long due to uncontrollable circumstances. It's discouraging not to be able to do what used to be done and what your mind wants to do but body doesn't cooperate. I have a 70 yr. old lady in my support group that has inspired me to push myself to the limit in the privacy of my own home. She spurs me on along to do the uncomfortable- along side Wayne as he struggles doing the uncomfortable (something his body does not not want to cooperate in doing.)

The End!!

No smoking and no nagging

Ok , people, today was the first day for Wayne not smoking. Help him out (you know who you are). I get that it is very addictive!! He quit for 20 yrs., he can do it again! Situations are different this time, but the urgency is too.

BUT, help me out too. I don't know what ya'll think you read before, but I'm telling you--it ain't so. My nature is very impulsive and that was one of those moments. Help me not to be a nag to him. yeah, that what I'm trying to say. Forget what I said before, this is what I mean. There is no comparison to my weakness--mine comes in many many forms, and I don't have a chance. They don't make chocolate patches. So I will vow to exercise regularly. And that-- my dear ones, is a challenge for me. Anyone up to joining us??

All kidding aside, I wish Wayne the success he deserves in quitting smoking.

Whew!!! I feel better now!!

The F-words

You'd think by the time your 55 you'd be settling in to a comfortable place in life. Not so.. B/c that's when it happens. Your body starts to fail you and your loved ones. So my advice to anyone, is to spend your time here on earth developing relationships with family and friends. That's what counts when it's all said and done. And for me, my relationship with the Lord is what sustains me thru all the trials I face. So when your 55 and things aren't like you thought they might be--you will have what counts.

I am richer by far than any customer we might have. I have my family and friends and most of all the Lord. He's there when your family and friends are asleep or when you just don't want to burden them with stuff. I am rich b/c of the family and country I was born in.

I have a peace that passes all understanding, I have God's favor upon me. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. My God shall supply all my needs according to His purpose.

What more could I ask for. The 3 F-words FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS

OK, I think I've gotten it out of my system. I didn't get to go to church today, so I guess I just had my own little worship time, and had to share it.

The Bridge Collapse

Tragedies have a way of straightening priorities out. The little things that aren't the way you'd like seem to vanish. Right now, or actually around 6 this evening-while I was catching up on some "Tivoed soaps", there were people up north falling into the Mississippi River with a bridge. Fighting for there lives, some dying. Children on school buses scared to death. Now, there are loved ones waiting for news of the victims, and rescue workers still finding people.

This is not a Debby Downer or at least it's not meant to be. I know stuff like this happens somewhere on the earth all the time. But, I can still be thankful for where I live and for what I have. And I'm sorry that sometimes it takes a tragedy to bring it to the forefront. Luv U guys!!!

The Truth Project

Can't get it off my mind. I've just gone thru 12 weeks viewing The Truth Project dvd study. It explains things like I've never heard before. Yes, you suspect right. It is a Christian based study, but not like you would think. Focus on the Family out of Colorado Springs has sponsored it. It deals with all the questions one might have from beginning to now a day. It explains how God is in this in a logical way, if you can believe that. It makes everything make sense.

Check it out--www.thetruthproject.org/ Check the trailer out and read a few of Del Tackett's blogs. I dare it not to interest you. He is a very interesting man. You know I'm new at this stuff, so why isn't the website in blue and underlined like any other website I've typed. Yes, kids, go ahead laugh at yo momma. You have my permission!!ha! ha!

Do people really suck???

A certain person we all know and love proclaims they do. I really don't think he believes that deep inside. Why??? Have you ever seen such generousity, kindness, and thoughtfulness in one human being???? If people sucked, why would he feel all these things. Well, yes, he is a perfectionist, and is discouraged at people's actions. BUT, he lights up like a christmas tree when they display good actions, which proves he hasn't given up on mankind. That's pressure for us all, to think someone reacts to our actions this way. Who else feels this way, the checker at the store? the server at a restaurant ? the receptionist on the other end of the line? the repairman? etc. etc.

I challenge anyone reading this to look for the good and also do or say something good of mankind today and everyday. Brighten someone's day today. Since WE ARE PEOPLE, we are the only ones that can change it to PEOPLE SUCK SOMETIMES!!!???

Quite a shift from DEBBY DOWNER, eh Mark????