I occasionally get emails from my Grandma and this time, I had to share it.
I haa-aa-ate cigarette smoking. It stinks! It’s a rude, inconsiderate thing: they toss the cigarettes out of their cars, etc, causing litter. When people smoke inside a restaurant it stinks up the whole place, it gets on your clothes, in your hair. UGH! It’s unwanted. If people wanted to stink like that they’d go stand by a smokers outpost. Thirdly, the smokers themselves reek of it, it emulates off of them, their breath, and it oozes out of their pores. And if you’re standing anywhere close to 3feet of them you smell it too. It’s all I can do to not cover my nose & mouth b/c when they speak out comes this choking smell that goes directly into my face and I’m tasting nicotine. 
YUCK! Noooo thank you! Sorry smokers, I understand it’s an addiction, but is it really worth the hefty penny?It’s just the worst smell ever.
I am so sooo glad Illinois has finally decided to make restaurants smoke free as of Jan 1st 08!! Yess!!!
Lucy & Linus are brother & sister and they have a younger brother named ReRun... I relate as the youngest and I also relate b/c I want to get a dog!I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown! centers on ReRun, the lovable but ever-skeptical younger brother of Linus and Lucy. It's Christmas vacation and, as usual, ReRun's big sister is stressing him out, so he decides to turn to his best friend, Snoopy, for amusement and holiday cheer. However his faithful but unpredictable beagle companion has plans of his own, giving ReRun reason to ask Snoopy to invite his canine brother Spike for a visit. When Spike shows up, it looks like ReRun will have a dog for Christmas after all... but then the real trouble begins.
Rudeness is a bad quality. it can make you loose a job, loose friends, get in car accidents, or should I say road rage... not many good things come from it.
I really have to give a shout out to Wellsprings. A few things have come up recently that have reminded me of it. I wish I could easily and quickly tell someone all about it.
Chicka-pow! Don't shoot me down
Oh no! How low can you go
Driving fast to get to work
Queen is there just being a jerk
Running her mouth a million miles an hour
She's talking trash
It's going sour
That stuff that makes you hurt
Cut you down, make you hit the dirt
Say, She's got that DIVA thing
That D-I-V-A diva thing
Sing
Why can't you say ur sorry?
For treating me so naughty
Just want an apology
Is that against ur personal theology?
What'd I do to deserve this?
How'd I get on ur bad list?
Just want to make it right
Please Queen Please
Let's not fight
Let's not fight, Let's not fight, I don't wanna fight tonight
You had ur chance to right ur wrong
Can't we all just get along?
You go and talk behind my back
Don't you know that's whack
It's a personal attack
Oh snap
Some friend you are to me
Ur Miss Personality
Are you blind to see?
Ur such a Drama Queen
Fresh off the chopping block
She cut me deep and it hurts a lot
She hit me with her best shot
And never gave a second thought
That's to much Drama for me mama
Why do you like to stir it?
When I am near you throw fits
You cry Oh me me me
Ain't you got no decency?
You dish it out- I take it
I wish you'd just stop fakin'
In ur mind ur grass is green
But I know youse a Drama Queen
Ur such a, ur such a, ur such a Drama Queen
You go and talk behind my back
Don't you know that's wack
It's a personal attack
Oh snap
Some friend you are to me
Ur Miss Personality
Are you blind to see?
Ur such a Drama Queen
She's a Drama Queen if you know what I mean
She'll get under ur skin and make you scream
Owwww, Drama Queen
I need a vaccine cause you so mean
You got a disease I don't need and it pays no heed to get it
So better quit it
Cause a friend in need is a friend indeed and you ain't that
Youse a Drama Queen
Emphatic, Dramatic, ur like a psychosomatic
Ur always so problematic
Ur drama is cinematic
There's no comparison to the damage you've done
But you've only begun with ur hit and run's
You go and talk behind my back
Don't you know that's whack
It's a personal attack
Oh snap
Some friend you are to me
Ur Miss Personality
Are you blind to see?
Ur such a Drama Queen
go here to listen to the song by familyforce5
I caught the Oprah show today. (nothing I’m proud to admit) She had Halle Berry on to announce her pregnancy with her boyfriend “of 2 years.” (b/c apparently the longer the relationship the more ok it is?) Halle was talking about how her Canadian-model-boyfriend “oozes integrity.” HA. Let’s hear what she calls integrity... this is what she said when Oprah asked her to describe integrity: “he does what he says he’s going to do. He doesn’t care what anybody does. He’s honest. He’s genuine. He’s just a good person.” –integrity defined by Halley Berry talking about her boyfriend. (That’s integrity? Well, if that’s integrity then a circle must be square.)
Let’s take a gander at integrity in the dictionary and results are: “Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code. moral soundness. An unreduced or unbroken completeness or totality. Synonyms: rectitude, probity, virtue. See honor.” … um, ya think that’s what they are practicing? I would guess not. But then by whose standards are they measuring themselves. The bible says to be like Christ. All my life I’ve also heard that integrity is what you do behind closed doors when no one is looking… purity. I’m sorry, but when I hear a celebrity (one like Halle Berry especially) talking about integrity, it makes me laugh. History lesson: "integrity" was first used in popular English literature: sometime before 1350.
Then she say’s they are “redefining marriage for themselves. The paper doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s a spiritual partnership.” Oprah said, “that’s the move of the future.” Then Oprah quoted someone “can’t have a spiritual partnership with out equal people.” All I’d like to say is what are these people smoking? What a bunch of fluff. Are you kidding me? That makes me want to puke. Not that I should expect anything better out of Hollywood. What bugs me the most though, is how people will idolize these celebrities who maybe have gone to one party too many… they worship themselves rather than their true Creator. I mean these celebrities’ lives are falling apart every time you turn around—and we spend money and time reading about them? why? They lead no life that I admire.
Um, let’s take a step back and see what has worked for all time =sanctity of marriage! here are tips on a successful marriage. Apparently Halle could've used this on her first two attempts.
Oprah looked like she hadn’t slept for 2 days. I think Halle is dense - pretty face, but not much depth. Celebrities have lots of money to look good, but they have a lot of work to do on the inside.
Ok, and this guy that they talked about (Halle’s movie partner “Benicio”) … um YUCK. It just proves their brains are filled with FLUFF! This guy looks like a wreck. He looks like he smells. I ended up turning it off –I couldn’t stand to watch it.
Happy anniversary to my parents. They are wonderful examples of integrity. I am blessed to have been brought up by them! They are giving, loving, hard workers, very caring, and forgiving people. They put their blood and sweat into their work—there’s no “on the fence” with them. Great values, work ethic, love for each other, great habits, I love them so much. 
in conclusion... there are some experiences you just don't want to repeat ever again. Some people you wish you'd never have met and care not to remember. There are others that the sweet memory of them will stay with you a lifetime. But in all cases everyone has learned something at one point - be thankful for that. And don't dwell on the past. But look forward to the good! Isaiah 43:14-21 "God says: I will make a way for you." vs. 18-19 don't dwell on the past.
I feel bad for the kids. It’s as if the mothers scold their children at the store or mall (wherever) out of embarrassment for themselves. They are embarrassed [of what they think is obnoxious behavior of their child] and half the time I’d like to say to them “you know what? He’s really not bothering me. You don’t need to make a scene.” The parent ends up making a bigger scene themselves then whatever the kid was doing in the first place. And the poor kid turns out to be embarrassed/ humiliated, but more so, sad that they have disappointed their mom—sad that she’s yelling at him in public. I see the poor kids face as they pass me in the aisle. So many times I’ve held my tongue, I’d like to say “easy lady! He’s just 3 years old”, it’s not like he just tore up the entire store. There’s a right way and a wrong way to discipline. I feel so bad for the kids I want to whisper to them, “mommy must just be having a bad day.”
Did you know that the Singapore airport has a swimming pool & a desert oasis ... located inside the airport? Travelers on layover can take a dip in the pool or jacuzzi! They also have napping areas & a nature trail with 6 different gardens! How cool is that? oh yeah, they also have a Game Zone with 6 Microsoft Xbox Live gaming consoles. now this is one airport I have got to experience. I hope I can make it there someday to see this. what a smart airport.
This is some good stuff. it can be one meal for me. I like fruit drinks... a lot.
* 5-6 oz sunflower spread/margarine/butter
okay, so I tried it. ehh... I have to say I like the real cookie dough better. this recipe needs more than a 'pinch' of salt. it tastes pretty buttery. and i'm sure chocolate chips help the taste. (we're out of them right now). yeah... i added more stuff to it & put it in the oven. so this recipe ... i don't suggest it. aren't you glad i tried it first?
If mosquito bites are a problem for you like they are for me, here are some helpful tips.
Yesterday we hit a record of 102, today supposed to do the same with heat index up to 108. I went outside just to check my mail, and came back in totally sweaty. This is the kind of weather that makes you want to shave your head! I cannot understand why or how people still wear pants in this heat… even jeans! With this crazy record breaking heat, I saw on the news that it can get up to 130 degrees in your car?! So I did an experiment of my own, and even with a “magic shade” blocking my front window, it got up to 126.5 degrees in my car. I’d like to try baking something. What will cook at 130 degrees?
I wonder what the Amish do during all this heat – no A/C. man. Guess I’m glad I’m not Amish today.
And speaking of… I enjoy catching Chip Ingram’s radio broadcast on my way home from church. This past Sunday it was about eliminating stress in your life and how hearing non-uplifting news can bring down your overall outlook on the world. (when is news ever uplifting?) He challenged the listeners to do a 2 day media fast. No TV, no radio. So I did. And ya know, it’s been nice. Quiet, peaceful. I’m finding I feel purposeful—if I lay down on the couch it’s not “well I’ll just sit here & see what’s on.” No, I lay down and say “I think I’m going to sleep for a bit.” I found that I got a lot done around the house, opposed to thinking of all I should’ve done or still needed to get to while trying to fall asleep and trying to think of acronyms to remember it in the a.m. so I don’t have to move to get a pen and paper. I also found that I didn’t get annoyed and irritated by all the dumb commercials and frustration on not being able to find anything on to watch. I went outside and lollygagged. Basically, point is: there are a lot of better things that can be done than watching TV.
You’re bombarded with images you probably wouldn’t chose to look at in the first place, but do just because it’s on and we’ve become a lazy TV watching nation. Chip Ingram said a child’s creativity is formed before the age of 6. and studies have been done that watching TV can stunt your creativity. Even Spielberg wouldn’t allow his kids to watch TV til they turned 6, understanding the creativity factor. And I did feel more creative! One evening I just lied on the couch, starred at the ceiling finding shapes in the grooves…butterflies, a kiss mark, a bird, and just listened to the hum of my refrigerator.
It can be a little tough, because it’s a habit to watch while I eat dinner or if I can’t think of what else to do at the moment. I found that turning on the TV is a lazy cop-out. If there’s nothing you’re turning it on specifically for, you’re kinda choosing that way to waste your time. So get out and do something!
I had a blast the other night – I listened to First Call. Each time I listen to it, I bust out in dance, and get a kick out of it. I definitely needed that pick-me-up. I do a killer lip-sync. It brings back so many memories of my family when we lived in CA and we took the “tour of the US” vacation. Fun times forever etched in my memory. Squished in the backseat of that Lincoln Town Car. Erik’s legs spread so much, Amy & I basically shared a seat :) (no really, it wasn't that bad.) I’d have to say still my favorite song on the tape (not cd... but tape) is “Parable of the River.” I remember when we had this old RV and us kids were at the top bunk where we looked out the window above the drivers seats. Listening to that song and looking out the window, I loved it—it felt like I was flying. I’d always imagine myself on the top of that giant flying dog thing on the “Never Ending Story.” Either that or riding on a horse on the beach. I will also admit that putting in a tape of P.I.D. has the same excitability for me. Old memories can be fun.
"The Art" by Rachael Lampa
*my pics*So one night I couldn’t fall asleep. I had really been seeking God for direction that day. Thankfully, I felt God give me peace. I was looking for a certain verse and couldn’t find it. I opened up the Bible I used as a teenager. It’s still fragile—held together by duct tape threads…literally. I came across a great devotional. It read this to pray during a difficult time:
“Lord, I feel really stressed out because _______. I don’t know what to do. I’m tired and scared. The problem is too big for me to handle. Please take control of the situation. Give me your peace. Keep reminding me that you will take care of things. Amen.”And it referenced Psalm 4:1
This was encouraging to me, so I thought I’d share.
(My glasses were on the top of my head so that’s why the hat looks funny.)
This is Josh Bernstein, he’s the CEO of BOSS, an outdoor survival school. (which is very enticing to participate in although the cost is a bit much for my wallet.) Well, Josh is also the host of the History Channel’s Digging for the Truth. A show that explores past wonders such as stories behind Egypt Pyramids and looking into unfinished tales about historical characters such as Cleopatra, and some Biblical characters. Very interesting. One episode he went to the Easter Islands (thank you Marleigh) and said the air was the cleanest he’s ever breathed. I would love to visit there someday.
Anyway, this is my version of Mr. “McDreamy.” Nice eh? That’s one mighty fine Jewish boy.
I watched a movie about Idi Amin, a president of Uganda from 1971-1979.
I thought he was best summed up this way: On the special features segment on the dvd, a physician who treated him for a year said:
“I think he was at times what we called ‘hyper-matic.’ He was excited, he felt that he had a better understanding then most people of what was going on, and that his ideas which were on the whole fairly obvious, were in fact rather the ideas of a genius and that he owed it to the world to put the world right.
The fact that he talked so much—people who become excited, who have ideas of grandeur, who think they have the answers to complicated problems, and in sense loose touch with every day reality.”
This kind of person is: charismatic, intimidates, paranoid, a dictator, monstrous, has “followers,” charm, and some leadership qualities. They will joke with you, humor you, poof up your vanity to gain your confidence in them so they have your loyalty. You never know where he stands.
It was fascinating to learn about this character who actually did exist and was responsible for 300,000 deaths in Uganda. 12 of his ministers fled the country. He offered food aide to the British (Uganda offering help to Britain??) Amin died in 2003 while exiled in Saudi Arabia. They made the film in 2005.
The Scotsman’s role in the film is fictitious, but I related with him as I think anyone would: flattered by this person of power, the innocence of wanting to do good, confused by them, becoming trapped, then disgusted because you see them for who they really are. But the leader knows that and is already working behind your back to have you eliminated. To my surprise, I saw a lot of personality similarities to a person I once worked for. Now, I wasn’t executed, as Amin would’ve done, but this person had a bone to pick with me and wanted me eliminated. I also observed that Africa as a whole isn’t as poor as I thought. And confirmed my thoughts that everyone in the world are the same people—wherever you go.
I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into when I rented this--I had no idea what to expect. Minus a few parts, overall it was good, scary, a little revealing. Interestingly they had to make Forest Whitaker even blacker because Idi was black black. Forest is chocolate. ;)
I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride. I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence. My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip
One day I was at the mall and while there got hungry. I sat down at the food court to eat what turned out to be nasty Chinese food and man, this ‘lovely’ little old couple sitting a few tables away, just enjoyed watching me eat my dinner I guess. Do old people just have nothing better to do? guess so. well, glad I could be of some entertainment for them.
