Tagged!

I've been tagged at the same time by Sallie & Graziella, and I guess I'll be cool and actually play. The tags are a little different but similar, so I just combined them into one.

My six word memoir: More blessed than I ever deserve.

I am so excited to be finding my life after liver transplant. I have a wonderful husband and the freedom to work or not.

Seven unusual things about me:

1. I'm an undercover geek. Learning morse code and watching Star Trek was the only way to bond with my dad. Henceforth that's the kind of men I've always attracted. I speak their language, and I'm always set with cool technology.

2. I get upset with wastefulness. If it can be composted or recycled, it shouldn't be thrown away.

3. I'm a cat whisperer. Really. I can prove it by showing you that my cats do tricks.

4. I honestly want to move to Oklahoma to live. Although, I do love my mountains here.

5. I have no patience for stupidity, unless you're under 13. For some reason, I have infinite patience for children.

6. I'm an only child, and I love it. But I also am glad to finally have a brother and sister through my husband.

7. I don't know how to ride a bike.

And a goal: To become completely self-sustaining, so I don't need to worry about stupid food shortages and all the other crap this world is coming to.

I really don't have anyone to tag, unless Justin will actually be cool and play.

Choosing a President

More than any other year I remember, people are excited and informed about the presidential race. It seems a whole lot of people want to be our next Commander-in-Chief, and they are all very different with different ideas.

Now I know different people think differently about things like money, health care, Iraq, etc. And while I might have my own opinion, I do respect other people's opinions . . . if they're based on the issues at hand. I find it fascinating the statistics of how people voted in each state's primary. Older people like this person, women like this person, rich people like this person, and on and on. While I realize that who you are colors your opinion, do you vote for someone like yourself?

For instance, some women vote for Hillary Clinton, just because she's a woman. Or, some black voters favor Barak Obama. We could even stretch this and say that many conservative Christians favor Mike Huckabee or Mormons favor Mitt Romney. This is where I really get lost because when I look at who I want to be a major force in this country, I don't look at their race, gender, etc. I do look at values, which is why I say voting for a Christian isn't necessarily bad in itself. However, I also look for experience, for good character & integrity, for someone with good ideas, common sense and balance. A good president should be diplomatic and level headed. He or she should definitely have a good understanding of the issues at hand, of economics, the Constitution, and of the citizens he is governing.

Can a woman be a good president? Sure, but I'm not going to vote for someone just because she's a woman. Does our president have to fit the stereotypical rich, white male. I hope not. But why vote for someone that's black or vote against someone that's Morman just because of their race or religion. That's plain silly. And it's really against what we believe as Americans.

So, please vote. Vote in the primary as well as the general election. And vote for the issues you think are important. Running for President of the United States is not the same as running for your highschool senior class president. It's not a popularity contest. It's about things that really matter.

Goodbye Old Friend

Usually people remember their first car with love. It was the car that made them independant, even if it wasn't very dependable. It shared a lot of growing up years and memories good and bad.

Although my Jimmy wasn't my first car, it was really the car that transitioned me into adulthood with all the memories that come. It was my Jimmy that took me back and forth to Oklahoma more times than I can count. It drove me crazy with its quirks and yet without them I wouldn't have met the man that is now my mate. My Jimmy carried tons of teaching materials, camping stuff, wedding presents, and Christmas trees. It threatened to die more often than not, yet it suffered the flattening of Frito Lay and still took me to school, student teaching, graduation, work, my wedding, my honeymoon, 4 homes, and all those places that come inbetween.

My Jimmy was my friend, and yet there comes a time when all friends must move on. Though it is sad, it is that time. Hopefully it will bring it's new college friend many hours of service and memories.

Goodbye old friend. I will never forget...

In the Words of Chiquita, the Alpha Cat

I have been begging Mommy to give me an opportunity to tell my story. So finally, here it is...

Once upon a time, there was a happy kitty family. There was a Mommy to snuggle with, a Daddy to feed us early in the morning, a little fur brother to play with, and a beautiful alpha kitty who did what she pleased. The house was quiet with lots of windows to watch the birdies & bunnies and lots of comfy beds big and small.

Then one day, a stranger came to the house. She brought the biggest, meanest looking creature I've ever seen. Then she left! Mommy said that this scary creature was called a greyhound dog. She said his name was Timber, and he would be staying with us for a while. She also told us to not be scared and that we should introduce ourselves and make him feel welcome.

Welcome? In my home? I don't think so! So, I did the only thing I could do. I hissed that my name was Chiquita, and that I was the alpha in this house. He and his big teeth and eyes better not even look at me. Then I ran under the bed to sulk.

That was the day that my home sweet home became a prison. While Timber got to go outside many times a day to play, I was forced to watch the birdies from behind the window. While she coaxed him to eat, I was locked in the laundy room. When he clumsily runs to close and I tell him so, she tells me to behave myself. Even Shadow has turned traitor. He must have forgotten that he is a cat because he even enjoys playing outside with Timber in his pen.

As I count the days of tribulation, I realize he's not as scary as I thought. But he's no cat and he should have no place in my home. Mommy says it's not forever. She says he's really nice, and we could be friends. Puh! That will never happen.

Someday this too shall pass. I will once again be free to roam as a carefree kitty, presiding over my queendom with dignity and pride. For now I will plot new ways to make Timber's life as miserable as mine.

The Comeback of the Whooping Crane

When I was little I loved things like Easter Egg hunts, scavenger hunts, and anything else that involved finding treasure. Now, I find treasure through geocaching. It might seem easy, but it's not just following your GPS to the right coordinates. Geocaching is a treasure hunting game of the grandest kind involving searching all kinds of odd places until one finally finds the "treasure chest" under a rock, in a tree hole, among a pile of leaves or any other good hiding place. Then, if you're really lucky, you might find really cool treasure to swap with something of your own.

Last Saturday, our treasure hunting elevated to a much grander scale. We went to the Hiawasee Wildlife Refuge to see the Sandhill Cranes during a geocaching jaunt. It was a beautiful day, and the cranes were making great music for quite a few birdwatchers. I was disappointed that there were too many people to be stealthy treasure seekers, and then a nice birdwatcher showed me a much better treasure. His scope was on a beautiful Whooping Crane, a grand white bird, much taller than the rest of the smaller brown Sandhills, who was calmly preening among the excitement around him.

Why is this bird such a treasure to find, you ask? Well, in 1941 there were only 15 Whooping Cranes left. This small flock, who nest in Canada and winter in Texas, barely escaped extinction. Although many efforts have been made to save it, there are still only about 200.

Enter a bunch of white robed scientists with bird puppets and ultralights, stage right . . . I mean, east. These scientists have created a way to breed the birds in captivity and then teach them a new migration route, nesting in Wisconsin and wintering in Florida. This eastern migratory route hadn't been used by Whooping Cranes in over a century. Now thanks to these efforts by ultralight fliers in bird suits, they are making quite a comeback, slowly, but surely.

So, to see a Whooping Crane here in Tennessee, stopping over on his migration back home . . . that's a wonder to behold. It's a treasure that has been saved.

My Happy List

Recently I've been kind of down. Life has seemed to become meaningless as my friends and family have passed me by in their careers and families. I used to be independent and an overachiever. I knew what my goals were and how to achieve them. I was on a great track . . . until it was torn away from me . . . again, and again.

Yet . . . I think that even my forced dependence is good in some ways. I need to learn to let go and let God. How that figures into what I need to do, I'm not sure. However, with that state of mind, I was inspired by an aunt's "Happy List." There are many things that I should be thankful for and happy about. So, I thought I would create my own in an effort to lift my spirits and possibly help me in finding a current life direction.

So, without further ado, here are the things that make me happy: 1. fuzzy animals 2. my cats, Chiquita & Shadow 3. a loving husband who understands me 4. clear nights with lots of stars 5. thunderstorms 6. a loving God who saved me and saves me in an everyday sense 7. books 8. music 9. owning my own home 10. not having to worry about money 11. loving parents close by 12. myspace, trillian, gtalk, & gmail which allow me to keep in touch with friends who are no longer close by 13. my birdfeeder 14. playing in the dirt and actually sometimes getting fresh produce from it 15. LOST 16. having doctors that listen to me 17. good health insurance 18. spring flowers 19. living in a free country 20. geocaching 21. nintendo 22. cool words 23. Christmas 24. learning new things 25. taking pictures 26. good restaurants 27. cooking for those I love 28. waterfalls 29. people that aren't afraid to completely be themselves 30. fire 31. swings 32. creeks 33. sleeping in 34. a good Southern breakfast 35. fruit 36. chocolate 37. good in-laws 38. acquiring a brother & a sister when I married 39. playing board games 40. reading to children 41. scrapbooking

Confessions of an Undercover PETA Member

I've always wanted to run a cat rescue. There are so many feral cats surviving out in the cold, searching for food and water when they remember a warm bed by the fireplace and yummy chicken dinners. They were oh so cute as little kittens, but then they grew up. A new baby came, or the owners moved, or they were just plain unwanted after their natural cat behaviors didn't mesh with their human's lifestyle. Even purebreds sometimes get the boot.

Yesterday I got to start my animal rescue, but not for a cat. Our home became shelter to a mistreated goldfish. You see, this goldfish was one of a few goldfish that was bought purely to play a trick on someone. The buyer thought it would be funny for his coworker to come in and discover goldfish in his water glasses. When the fish were discovered, this one was the only one still alive. So after a rough transfer to a vase, this little guy found himself lucky enough to have someone feel sorry for him.

When he got to my house, he was laying on his side gulping for air. (It sorta reminded me of those asthma commercials a while back.) I really didn't think he would make it. But I put him in an empty tank with melaluca and aquarium salt. And what do you know? He was still alive this morning. After some research, I put in a heater on the lowest setting to make the tank 70 degrees. I put in another dose of melaluca too. And tonight he was actually swimming around a little. He's still close to the bottom of the tank and still bloated, but I really think he's going to make it.

I was actually pondering putting goldfish in my smaller tank, so now I have a start. He's a pretty little guy with twin tails. (Strange that this trickster didn't just get cheap ordinary feeder goldfish.) So, now I hopefully have a new fish complete with his own tale: How Lucky Was Lucky.

So, no I don't claim to support PETA and I don't give them my money, but my heart is in the same place.

A Balanced View

You Are 50% Left Brained, 50% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

Where Have All Our Values Gone?

I love folk music. "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?" is one of those great folk songs that most people think of when reflecting back on the days of hippie communes and Vietnam War protests. The verses spin a circle of sadness because of a war many people felt was doing more harm than good. We see the flowers picked by young girls, the girls marrying young men, the men becoming soldiers, the soldiers buried in graves, and the graves gradually becoming covered with new flowers.

Today is a new era, and we are fighting a new war. But, the song I would write for today is "Where Have All Our Values Gone?" For, while the hippie movement did contain lower morals in some respects, it was also counter culture. Today's era is about not offending anyone, and proving that by saying everything is okay.

It's okay to grossly lie and call it nonfiction. How does a memoir of getting over drug addiction help others when the sensational stories in it are totally untrue? But, thanks to his publisher and Oprah's bookclub, James Frey has made millions trying to do just that with A Million Little Pieces.

It's okay to glamorize a homosexual relationship on the big screen. With all the great movies that were produced this year, why did Brokeback Mountian have to receive a Golden Globe for Best Picture? It certainly wasn't one of the biggest money makers, but it is apparently necessary to prove the judges aren't homophobic.

It's okay to sentence a child molester for only 60 days of prison. Is it? Apparently so, since this has not only happened once, but three similar times in the last few weeks in three different states. Now how is that supposed to keep our children safe?

Fortunately, there are still some brave souls that do have values. I commend Oprah for calling James Frey on his lies, and admitting to her embarrasment and disgust of selecting his book. So, here's my new verse for the 21st century.

Where have all our values gone; long, long time ago? They've gone to brave souls every one. When will we ever learn? When will we ever learn?

The True Meaning of Xmas

This time of year, enter any Protestant Christian Church, and one will often hear how Christ has been taken out of Christmas. We look at the commercialism, and Santa, and how Christmas is abbreviated to Xmas. The problem is, we are looking at the situation all wrong. Christmas is, at it's roots, a pagan holiday. Cultures all around the world have celebrations for the winter solstice, where the days can now gradually become longer again.

In the days of the early Christian church, it wasn't exactly the coolest, or even safest thing to be a Christian. One had to be very careful and not be seen as dramatically different. This, of course, is where we get the fish symbol, an underground symbol of the time. We also, however, find the initial X or the Greek letter "chi" combined with the letter R (Greek "rho"), as a major symbol for Christians. These two Greek letters were the first two letters in Christos (Christ). As time went on, the symbol become just an X and was a specific abbreviation for Christ, Christian, Christmas, etc. Since this symbol became part of Constantine's official standard, we know that it was not a lazy or even obvious effort to remove Christ. Instead, like the fish, it was a symbol that Christians were proud to display.

I find it interesting that saying, "Merry Xmas" or "Happy Holidays" is a problem however, when we are not practicing what we preach. If we are celebrating Christ's first coming and all that He has done for us, then shouldn't we be reaching out through our churches on this special holiday? Why then, are so many churches deciding to close their doors this weekend?

American society claims to be predominantly Christian, but I so often think it is only a costumed secular heart. Whatever will make the biggest dollar or draw the biggest crowd or gain the most fame, is what makes the highest priority. If one thinks it will increase his standing, he will even steal a helpless baby penguin. (GIVE TOGA BACK!)

I, for one, am excited to celebrate Xmas. I love the beautiful lights, the fresh pine smell, and the crisp air. I'm glad for a loving family, a warm home, good health for the weekend, and yummy food to celebrate with. I'm excited to be able to share with others rather than just think of myself. And, mostly, I am thankful to praise God for sharing His Son with us.

Yes, Christmas is a pagan holiday, but that doesn't matter. I am proud to be a Xian, and I am happy to celebrate that every day of the year.

Merry Christmas, I Mean, Happy Holidays

I'm am so tired of hearing about Holiday Trees, arguments of how movies will do because they are supposedly Christian, and what Bush or Condi or a supreme court nominee will do because they are Christians as well. If you take any piece of American money out and look at it long enough, you will find the words, "In God We Trust." It doesn't say, "In Our Higher Power We Trust," or "In Ourselves We Trust," or even "In Whatever We Trust." It says, "In God We Trust," because that's the way our country was founded.

Let's begin with a little history lesson. In 1620, the Pilgrims took their voyage on the Mayflower to escape religious persecution by the Church of England. The Pilgrim's Puritan beliefs did not agree with Anglican beliefs, so they fled to a New World that would give them the religious freedom to worship God as they were convicted.

America's Declaration of Independance begins with, "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." And, it ends with, "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of the divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

America was founded by Christians who felt it was important to preserve the importance of God being at the very center of our morality, our law, and our lives. Yet, our founding fathers also realized that as humans, we do not interpret the Bible nor are we always convicted in the same way. The very first Right we have as Americans is, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Those who established this country saw the importance of preventing what those first Pilgrims went through.

America in its very design is welcoming: of culture, of thought, and of religious belief. As long as one agrees to live peaceably and pay his taxes, he can follow the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Torah, the Koran, or even the Book of Satan. He has the right to follow whatever cultural and religious practices he is convicted of, as long as they don't hurt others, but he must recognize that right in every other American as well.

As a Christian American, I have the right to have a Christmas tree. I don't have to call it a Holiday Tree, and why would I? As far as I know, neither Hanukkah nor Kwanza nor any other modern winter holiday celebrates with a tree, although it is derived from pagan Roman roots. Because of that, why should any store call it a holiday tree either. If one is going to use Christmas traditions, then one should call it what it is. Last week Jay Leno compared it like this on The Tonight Show, "We still celebrate Halloween. It's a very big American holiday. So, apparently it's okay to celebrate Satan and Dracula, but it's not okay to celebrate Jesus."

Speaking of the occult influence versus Christian influence, why is there so much argument about The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe? Just like The Passion of the Christ, there is a ton of excitement about it's Christian influence and it's place in the theater. Churches are gathering together witnessing packets and encouraging their Youth to go. Journalists are arguing about whether it will make much money and if it should even be in the theater at all. Well, why not? First, everywhere I go and talk to real people who are so excited that the books they loved as kids are now going to be in the theater. Second, no one is forcing anyone to see (or read for that manner) the story. Each person is free to chose what they allow in their minds. Third, unlike The Passion of the Christ, there is no obvious Christian reference. The story is a fantasy story first and foremost, it's theme is Christian, but not with the immediate purpose of a salvation experience. The December 2 edition of USA Today quotes Jacobs, author of The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis. "Lewis wrote a story about redemptive sacrifice, but he didn't set out to write that. He set out to write a children's book that would be exciting and adventurous. He was not trying to win anyone to Christianity with this story. And I think you can tell that by the way so many people can read it and love it without having any idea of the biblical connection." And finally, Fourth, both the Harry Potter movies (which hint at occultism) and The Lord of the Rings movies (which is also a Christian parable) grossed millions of dollars at the box office and won academy awards. (For that matter, so did The Passion of the Christ.) But, there wasn't near the excitement about either Harry Potter's or The Lord of the Rings religious influences. Why should The Chronicles of Narnia be any different?

As far as the decisions our administrative leaders might make, well, we voted for them. I totally agree in the importance of the separation of church and state, but how can a human make any decision not based on his moral convictions? And why would those moral convictions be bad on the whole when those same moral convictions were written into the U S Constitution? I don't think I could say it better than Marilyn vos Savant, columnist for Parade Magazine (December 4), "Americans prefer to elect Presidents whose value systems grow from their religious beliefs. (That's why an atheist--whose values are chosen, not established--has never been elected.) We expect the President to act on his values."

America is fundamentally a Christian nation. Its foundations, its laws, and its culture are deeply based in Christianity. While it does not prevent others from practicing or even sharing their religious beliefs, others should not be offended when Christian Americans share theirs. If the modern American philosophy is that everything and anything is okay, then Christianity should be included as well. Why should the Christian majority be repressed?

We Can Always Be Thankful

I know, I know... It's been a very long time since I have posted my thoughts. Life has been interesting as of late, especially the last two months. My illness has taken it's toll, but I have come to realize once again that I have much to be thankful for. So, although it is the week after Thanksgiving, I will share my list of things I am thankful for this season.

1. Chiquita and Shadow, my cuddly kitties, who share my bed and always keep me entertained.
2. My dear husband, David, who works so hard, yet manages to keep things going at the house and take care of me when I'm feeling bad.
3. The opportunity to have a nice marriage encounter weekend and a Thanksgiving stay in Oklahoma between hospital visits.
4. Better health insurance than anyone I know.
5. A good team of doctors that (usually) actually listens to me and don't believe that they are God.
6. A very supportive family who prays for us, feeds our cats, maintains our car, and many other assorted things.
7. Google and it's subdivisions including blogger, gmail, froogle, google local, and google news... :)
8. Netflix, LOST, and the remaking of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. (It actually is possible to have TV for the intelligent...;)
   
9. A good bloodwork report today. Which should mean...
10. A Very Merry Christmas

Extraordinarily Fascinating News Items

Today a woman in Atlanta who was charged with murdering her baby was sentenced to be sterilized by tubal ligation. What a smart idea! Now if we did that with all the guilty sex offenders in this country, we wouldn't have overcrowding in prisons, nor would we need to worry about them committing that crime again. History shows that kings with harem have no problems with the eunuchs that tend them.

Also this week, a man with hobby of collecting snakes was bitten by one of his more poisonous and rare breeds. Fortunately, he was saved by an antidote from a zoo that was not very local. Apparently, this man is well known in the medical community. Now, unlike a lot of girls, I like snakes, and wouldn't mind owning one. But, unless one is raising certain snakes for the purpose of anti-venom, is there really a reason for careless ownership of any highly poisonous creature? Coming from someone who is also well known in the medical community, I wouldn't recommend it.

Of course Bush's plan for this new term and this year's new budget is on everyone's minds. For the most part, it seems to me that while they don't think so, both Republicans and Democrats want basically the same things. I know that no one is going to be happy with that statement, and I know there are some differences, but really folks.... Can't we all just get along? Please, let's get done what needs to get done, no adding stupid little things in bills that have nothing to do with anything. If we were more focused and less argumentative, perhaps we could really get some things done.

And, finally, as we near Valentine's Day, research has discovered that we truly can die of a broken heart. (especially women) So men, remember your true love not just February 14, but every day. You wouldn't want to be responsible for anything...

The Reasons Behind Charity

It is hardly the beginning of a new year, and yet so many strange things are already happening. Those near the Indian Ocean have experienced a tsunami beyond imagining. Here at home we see the West experiencing disasters of a near similar kind. The West is either being washed away by mud and water, or covered by more snow than they have ever seen.

While all that is going on, here in Tennessee with near record warmth for January, I ponder the imponderable of how terrible it would be to experience that kind of devastation. How would it be to have your loved ones swept away from your grasp, to never be seen again? Or perhaps, not quite as bad, my house . . . And as I watch the pictures on the news of those strong people, both here and abroad, I ponder about what the differences are between them.

You see, I am not the kind to look at our misfortune and forget about others. Yet, somehow it bothers me how I hear about all the aid we are delivering to Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and India; and I don't hear about much aid being given to those in California and Nevada. Should we help where we can? Yes! Should we help because it's the political thing to do? Not really. Should we help when others are suffering at home and we're already in debt? I'm not quite sure about that.

I just hope that when all is said and done, there will not be families overlooked just because they are Californian and not from another country that would look good politically to help. I also hope however, that we as individuals will take it upon ourselves to give and to help where we can . . . to everyone who needs it.

Evolution or Deevolution...

A couple of days ago, NBC ran a news clip noting how the animals all headed for higher ground some time before the tragic hit of the tsunami. The intro was something to the effect of, how did they know when the people did not? This brings up some interesting facts about animals. Animals just seem to know that an earthquake, tornado, or even excess carbon monoxide is present way before we humans figure it out. Many people tuned into their pets extreme restlessness have been saved because they then looked for what was wrong. How is it that people think we have evolved into superior beings? Wouldn't we retain those attributes that would help keep us around longer?

I get so tired of people thinking of evolution as a law of science. When one thinks about it, there's really not that many laws of science. (Think: For every action there's an equal and opposite reaction.) In school I learned that for a scientific theory to become a law, it had to become completely proven with no argument. Evolution is a theory, just as Creation is a theory. Until one is disproved and the other proven to the WHOLE of science, they are still that way.

Now, back to the animals... If one adds the belief of the Bible to science, he could never believe in macroevolution. (I often think it's pretty hard to believe in it even without the Bible included.) And, just looking at a more modern history . . . have we evolved or deevolved? I suppose it depends on how you look at that question. Just something to think about. You be the judge.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. The beautiful decorations; the smells of pine, cookies, and peppermint; and the brisk wind with a magical blanket of snow all lift my spirits. Um... Well, here in the south, you can delete the part about the snow, unfortunately. Somehow, the excitement of the season makes me happy to brave the hustle and bustle (err... crazed and panicked).

But, what I like the most about Christmas, is the spirit of Christmas. It's not about Santa Claus bringing presents, although perhaps it is about the spirit of the real St. Nicholas who unselfishly gave of himself to make sure others were happy. It's not even about Jesus coming for us as a baby. Even though I'm very glad that He did, Jesus wasn't born in December nor was Christmas originally a religious holiday. However, taking time to remember God's gift of Jesus does help us remember what living in this world should be about for Christians every day.

The spirit of Christmas is precisely what those symbols remind us. There are things more important than wealth and position. Not only that, but God has given each one of us so many blessings and so many opportunities to bless others. With the spirit of Christmas, people remember that it's important to get together with family, to spend time in church, and to give to others in need. A very important start to the Christmas season is Thanksgiving, the too often forgotten holiday these days. However, the Christmas spirit need not end with the reviling of the New Year. It should happen all the time.

So, I wish every one a Merry Christmas, even if it isn't white... Take time to enjoy it.

Take the Test

I AM 57% HIPPIE! I am not a child of the 60’s but my heart is true to the cause, man. I realize that being a hippie is not just bell bottoms and tie-dye. It is also about the drugs and smelling bad, too! Take the HIPPIE test at Fuali.com

Heh heh.... Other great tests on this website too. See if you are an evil genius, geek, raver, or just an internet addict. ;)

The Evolution of Intelligence

Last weekend my husband and I were driving home when we had to stop for a herd of goats in the road. Yes, goats! These goats were running down the road, not disturbed one bit by the cars all around them. You see, they had a mission! A billy and his harem were running together as one towards home. When they got there, as one, they turned into their driveway and then proceeded to jump back into the fence. Well, actually the billy crawled under the fence where he had dug himself a place to get through. I can just imagine the plans that billy made for their Saturday afternoon stroll. He paid attention to when the farmer would be away and when he would be around. Then, a crawl space was dug to get out. In a matter of days, the billy had the freedom to take his nannys for a walk around the block and get them back in time for supper.

There are many people that would say my theory was totally ludicrous. These are the same people that say that animals can't think or feel. But, I ask, how else would one explain unity instead of chaos? Of course, that's just what an evolutionist does. Chaos becomes unity and unity becomes superiority.

So, where does that leave the common man, homo sapiens? Well, lets see, where does that leave us? We have become so superior that we now have an obesity epidemic. Our technology is so great that we never get a break because we're always available via cell phone. Since we're always available we're always busy and our children are left behind. Fortunately, we have another great invention called the television, America's great babysitter. But did you know, children that watch an abundance of TV not only do poorer academically, but are also less creative, not as logical of thinkers, and have poorer social skills.

Now, I'm not antitelevison at all. I enjoy watching my favorite shows as well. But there is something to be said about how we balance our lives and place our priorities. Perhaps we could step down from our superiority and learn something from the goats. If we can do that, perhaps we are superior indeed.

More Election Trivia

Well, Kerry was very civilized and magnanimous in conceding the victory to Bush. It takes a great man to not be a poor loser and to want to continue to have a good working relationship with the winner.

Here's some more facts I found to be interesting: 1. About 120 million Americans voted. That's about 60 percent of everyone eligible to vote, and the highest turnout since 1968.
2. Bush won a majority of the popular vote (more than half of all votes cast), the first presidential candidate to do so since 1988. In the 1992, 1996 and 2000 elections, no one got more than 50 percent because other candidates in those races also won millions of votes.

I guess America really is solidly behind Bush. Let's use that strength and support our troops and those making decisions in this war on terror.

Election Day - part 2

It is the day after election day, and we actually know for sure who the president will be. I am so glad it wasn't a repeat of 2000, with all the lawyers waiting like sharks at the polls for the blood of injustice.

Each presidential race, as I grow older, I find the political process even more fascinating. This race, while important in itself for the issues our country faces, has become more like the game of Survivor. Stratigists figure the electorial math this way and that, so they know where they need to campaign. In Tennessee, it's most likely that I will ever personally meet the candidates. Maybe I should move to Iowa.... Then there's all these superstions and trivia that people bring up. Did you know that: 1. During wartime, the incumbent president has never been ousted? (Still true) 2. A president who is the son of a former president has never been reelected to a second term. (Not true anymore) 3. The highest Halloween mask sale has consistantly predicted who would be elected. (Still true: Bush's mask sold more than Kerry's, but it was close as well) Fascinating!

So, as Tom Brokaw said last night, America has decided who to vote off the island. (I wonder what he really means by that?) It's another four years for George W. Bush. I hope he picks a better cabinet this time and that God is with all of them, as well as our Senate and House, as they attempt to lead this country for the better.