Pink Hearts: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Want to join the party?  Go on over to From This Side of the Pond  for the Hodgepodge link-up!

Do you wear your heart on your sleeve, or keep your emotions tucked in tight?

Keeping my emotions tucked in tight has caused me to wear my emotions everywhere but my sleeve;  my hips, my belly, my thighs, etc.  For someone who constantly heard "you shouldn't feel that way," I'm on the hunt for balance.

How did you meet your closest friend?

I'm not sure who that would be, but most likely, I met him/her at church.

Pink lemonade, grilled salmon, cotton candy, pink grapefruit, a strawberry milkshake, or raspberry sorbet...of the pink foods listed, which one is your favorite? Least favorite? Which one have you most recently consumed?

Out of the items listed, my favorite would be the strawberry milkshake.  I've never had grilled salmon or raspberry sorbet and I like pink lemonade but haven't had cotton candy since I was in grade school and have only eaten yellow grapefruit, so I can't pick a least favorite.

Speaking of cotton candy... 

When were you last 'tickled pink' over something? Explain.

I substituted at the preschool for the past couple of days.  Little kids always crack me up, so they kept me tickled all day.

Are you a fan of television talk shows? Daytime, nighttime, or both? What's your favorite?

I used to be.  Daytime talk shows that actually talk about something interesting and have good guests were my favorite.  Nowadays, those are few and far in between.  My favorite nighttime talk show was The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson but he quit hosting the show in December.  I'll probably just watch reruns of that on YouTube.

When was the last time you wanted to ask a question, but felt too foolish to do so?

I daily have questions I wish I could ask, but feel like such a numbskull I don't dare ask.  It gets frustrating at times.

My favorite __________________right now is _________________.

My favorite pants right now are the stretch jeans I bought at the thrift store.

Insert your own random thought here.

I'm flabbergasted as to why people are so excited about the news that Harper Lee may write another novel.  My friends are beside themselves absolutely drooling because they want another book like To Kill a Mockingbird.  Why?  Why would people want more of a story like that? For those who've never read the book or viewed the movie: It's the story of a country lawyer who defends a black man falsely accused of rape.  The man was convicted, sent to prison, and was killed in prison for trying to escape.  Oh yeah, we need more literature like that.  Sure, let's foster more unnecessary hate and division.  No thank you; one forced reading in high school was enough.

Spiders in My Salad: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Want to join the party?  Go on over to From This Side of the Pond  for the Hodgepodge questions.

 
April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes. Are you blooming where you're planted as we begin the month of May?

No, right now I'm an acorn in the wind just trying to be the nut that held is ground and became a mighty oak... or at least a decent sapling.

On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being no big deal, and 10 being full scale panic, rank your fear of spiders.

1.  I just stomp them and go on.

May is National Salad Month (who knew???)...besides lettuce, what are two must-have ingredients in your favorite salad?

Spinach (it's not lettuce!).  I also must have some sort of cheese, either grated cheese or cottage cheese.  Yes, I know I'm weird, but I put cottage cheese on salad.

I mentioned on my blog last week that my Daughter1 will be moving to Washington State after she is married. Of the following sites in the Northwest, which would you most like to see in person-Crater Lake (Oregon), Seattle (Washington), Vancouver (British Columbia), San Juan Islands (Washington),  Mt. Rainer (Washington) Oregon Coast (Oregon), Mt. St. Helens (Washington), or Olympic National Park (Washington)

Neither.  I'd rather go a little further south and visit sites in California.

This coming weekend marks the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby...when did you last race (literally or figuratively) to cross a finish line? 

About 3 weeks ago.  I ran a 5k in Anniston, Alabama.

What is something little you love?

Babies.  And they love me.

Would you say you are more of a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner? Elaborate.

I'm actually more of a tactile learner.  I learn processes and mechanics better when I can get my hands in something and play around with it and do it myself.  For facts I must memorize or information I must retain, I'm a better auditory learner.  I love to read, but I also get more out of a book if I read difficult passages out loud.

Insert your own random thought here.

April has been a strange and difficult month, but not all bad.  Some things I'll not share today because they are not finalized.  But some stuff I need to get off my chest.  WARNING:  venting coming.  If you're not in the mood for it, move on.  I'll be back in the fun zone quickly.

April 23rd marks the 10 year anniversary of my father's death.  The first year was the toughest, but every year after that it got easier. The death of a parent is nothing you just "get over," but the pain of loss eases.  For some reason, this year was different.  Several nights before the "day," I started having dreams about my dad.  They were good dreams, but when I awoke, I had to remind myself he was gone.  The pain started crowding in like it was happening all over again.   

I still haven't visited my father's grave since the day he was buried.  I know I should, but I want to go alone and I don't want to disturb anyone else's time.  I have such a large family that I never know when one of them will be there.  I also fear going alone.  Strange dichotomy, I know, but I need someone to feel my pain with, but not family.  I love my family, but I usually don't allow myself to be the real me around them--not in pleasure or in pain.  I need someone who will not belittle my pain or emotions because they thought I was incapable of them.  For the most part, I grieved for Daddy alone, and I guess I must continue to do so.

Then another sad event much less important than my dad's death happened.  One of my recovery hero/mentors, Craig Ferguson, announced that he is leaving The Late Late Show at the end of the year.  Not nearly as painful, but it just added to an already sucky month.  Hopefully May will be better.  Oh crap, my birthday is in May.  Never mind.  :(

C is for Craig Ferguson [A-Z Blog Challenge]

Theme A B

C

Craig Ferguson



 

"Sober alkies are often asked, ‘When did you hit rock bottom?’ But a more informed question might be, ‘How many times did you hit rock bottom?"

 

Craig Ferguson

 

 "Look, the point is, I already know how to eat better; we all do.  Honestly, is there anybody out there that doesn't know how they should eat?  It's pretty simple; you eat more vegetables and fewer snacks that are covered with orange dust.  Ah, sweet, delicious orange dust.  I like to rub it on my gums like fluorescent cocaine.  Oooh, I need another Cheeto bump!"  

 

 Craig Ferguson 

Sometimes God brings people into my life that I feel I have nothing in common with.  Some I interact with in my daily life, some are far away images who the Lord uses as examples and distant heroes.  One such person is comedian Craig Ferguson.

Ferguson is a naturalized American citizen originally from Cumbernauld (a small town on the outskirts of Glasgow, Scotland).  He came to America in the 90's and worked his way into show business.  He is now well known for his comedy, acting, and hosting the Late Late Show. 

So, how does a self-described "vulgar lounge entertainer" become a recovery hero for a small town Southern girl?  First, earlier this year Ferguson celebrated his 22nd year of sobriety, having been to rehab for drug and alcohol addiction and continuing to stay sober ever since.  I've only been in Celebrate Recovery for food addiction for a little over 5 years, so anyone who's maintained his recovery longer than I have I look up to.  I mean how, how do you just never touch the stuff again?  I still can't imagine myself never overeating or eating for emotional reasons again.  I'm a lot better, but still...

Second, Mr. Ferguson is not a Hollywood pretty boy who went to "celebrity hospital" and lounged by the pool for "rehab holiday."  He never says he was in rehab for a couple of weeks and everything was O.K., so what's wrong with the peasants who can't get it together.  In fact, his story is quite the opposite; he went to a regular place with regular people at a facility in England, not L.A.  He worked hard and went through the process.  He's a reminder that the recovery process is not a microwave, but a crock pot, and he's still simmering away.

Third, he's just plain real about life and recovery.  He's open about the fact that he's an alcoholic (among other things), had a couple of failed marriages, still struggles with food and weight, and was very damaged by his childhood. Yet, he made something of himself.  No, I don't agree with everything he says or does, but he has more humility about his foibles than many Christ followers I know.  He says, "Yep, I'm screwed up, but I'm still going and having a blast doing it."  My story is not nearly as dramatic as his, but yet I've wanted to give up many times.  He mentors me without even knowing it.  When I see him online (I don't have cable) or read a quote of his, I'm encouraged to keep on.  Yes, I realize his blessings and success seem to only be on this side of heaven (for now).  But look at it this way.  Mr. Ferguson has accomplished great things while trying to find the God that he admits he doesn't understand.  I made a decision for Christ almost 28 years ago and still have no type of success in my small corner of "JackVegas"--Alabama's version of Cumbernauld.  I don't have nearly the influence he has, nor the ability to help as many people as Mr. Ferguson.  I can learn from his work ethic and business sense. He is not a victim of circumstance; he has kicked circumstance in the taint and sent it away crying for its mama!

For more information on the A-Z Blog Challenge, go to:

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/



Luck of the Scottish: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Want to join the party?  Go on over to From This Side of the Pond  for the Hodgepodge questions.

Do you have an interest in learning about your family's heritage? Why or why not? If you know a little bit about your roots, share an interesting piece of trivia or a fun fact about someone who goes way back on your family tree.

Honey, I'm some of everything!  I know a good bit about my mom's side of the family, but not my dad's side.  He never knew his father, and his mother died when he was young.  I have a friend who loves to research ancestries and found record of my grandfather, Lawson Maddox, but nothing more.  I don't know where he was from or what his ethnicity was.  I know I have, of course, African American, roots, but also Native American ones.  However, there's no accounting for where my yellow/bronze skin tones or dark blue eyes come from.  I'm of the firm belief that there's some Scottish in me somewhere.  Alba Gu Brath, y'all!

Branch Rickey, the baseball exec credited with signing Jackie Robinson, is quoted as saying- "Luck is the residue of design." Agree or disagree? Why?

I don't believe in luck.  I think it takes hard work to be truly successful in life.  Rush Limbaugh said "There's no such thing as luck. Luck is preparation that meets up with opportunity."  I believe that to be true.

In the town where you currently reside, what's your favorite green space?

The bank...no, not yet.  :)  The Chief Ladiga Trail.  There are so many different tableaux of beauty along the trail (pictures below).  The Jacksonville Garden Club is doing a wonderful job of planting trees and flowers along the trail.  It get better looking the closer we get to spring.  Now, if people would stop letting their Great Danes drop a deuce on the trail, it would be great. 

Who is your favorite comedian?

Aw man, that's a toughie.  Y'all know how much I love to laugh.  So, in pure Auntie fashion, I'll have to list them in categories.

• Favorite classic comedian:  Bill Cosby.
• Favorite clean comedian:  Sinbad
• Favorite in-between clean and dirty comedian:  Any of the guys from the Blue Collar Comedy videos.
• Favorite really not clean at all comedian:  Craig Ferguson and the late Richard Pryor
• Favorite Christian comedian: Mike Warnke
• Favorite comedian who happens to be a Christian:  Henry Cho
• Favorite improve comedian:  Greg Proops and Jeff Davis
• Favorite late night show host comedian:  Craig Ferguson
• Favorite musical comedian:  Weird Al Yankovic and Wayne Brady

March is National Nutrition Month, and almost everyone needs to improve their diet in some way.  What about you? How can you improve your nutrition on a daily basis? Will you try?

I've been working on it for a while.  My goal is just to continue to make even better food choices every day.  I also want to keep trying new foods so that my meals don't get boring.

Which of these green expressions have you 'experienced' in recent weeks -green with envy, green thumb, green around the gills, or give the green light? Explain.

Hopefully, I'll put my green thumb to work this weekend.  It should be warm enough to clean out the flower beds and get the containers ready for annuals.  Ever since my vegan experience, I've been green around the gills.  Sorry to keep harping on this, but it was so traumatic to my body that I was ill.  Unfortunately, I've been fighting the temptation to be green with envy.  Several of my classmates are posting pictures from high school with all their friends and good times.  Makes me think of a story by Louisa May Alcott about a little girl watching her adoptive family have "good times and she not in them."  If it weren't for marching band, I wouldn't have any really good high school memories.  It's just frustrating, that's all.  Green light?  Well, I've been working hard at finding a job, so hopefully someone will give me the green light to start working for them soon.

Where is one place you don't mind waiting?

I don't mind waiting a reasonable amount of time in most places.  My frustration comes when I have to wait a ridiculous amount of time.  The worst is the doctor's office.  Sorry, but several hours is too long.  I also don't like to wait with a group of impatient people or drive near people who honk if you take a breath before going under the green light.  Geez!

Insert your own random thought here.

 

Some of my pictures from the Chief Ladiga Trail.

 

 

 

Look Out, There's a Monster Coming: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Shout out to From This Side of the Pond for the Hodgepodge questions.

 What's something you're dealing with that might be described as tricky?

Definitely finding a good job is tricky.

What's your treat of choice?

As far as candy goes, Snickers bars are my treat of choice.  I'm trying to come up with non-food treats to reward myself with.  Reminds me of a Pinterest pin:  Do not reward yourself with food; you are not a dog.

Did you/will you carve a jack-o-lantern this month? Which real (living or dead) or fictional 'Jack' would you most like to meet in person? Why?

No on the jack-o-lantern.  Can't really think of any "Jacks" I would like to meet.  Jack Nicholson and Jack Black would probably frighten me or gross me out more than anything. All my friends drool over Jack Sparrow, but I've never even seen Pirates of the Caribbean.

In your opinion, what's the grossest sounding word in the English language?

Arugula  - Sounds like a horrid disease; not something to eat.  "Yeah, I had arugula, but took some Exlax and got rid of it." 

When did your heart last skip a beat?

April 23, 2004 - the day my father died.   I was at work when I got the call.  My heart stood still and I thought it would never start again.

Monster Mash by Bobby 'Boris' Picket, Michael Jackson's Thriller, Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon, or Ray Parker Jr.'s Ghostbusters...your favorite 'scary' tune?

If I have to pick between this list, I'd pick Thriller. I was a big Michael Jackson fan in the 1980's (back when he was black). 

It was a dark and stormy night when______________________________.

...when I stayed home and read a book.

Insert your own random thought here.

I have spiritual convictions about not celebrating the spooky/satanic elements of Halloween.  However, it would be nice to dress up in a costume and go have some fun.  No harm in that.  I had intended to be at a good weight this year to wear a real batgirl costume and go out somewhere...I don't know, kidnap my nieces and go trick or treating or something.  But not this time.  I'm probably just going to stay in tomorrow.  Maybe next year.  Besides, I don't know if I'm ready to be around a lot of candy.

Here's a fun Halloween playlist.  Enjoy

 Look Out There's a Monster Coming

 

No Monsters

 

God is Bigger
 

 Rocky Horror - Whose Line style.

Yeah, I know, I'm weird.  But that's why you love me.  :)

Blog Challenge Day 18: To Forgive is Divine

Blog challenge is from Can I Get Another Bottle of Whine

 

Day 18:  What is the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

First, let me say that the people involved in this issue are NOT members of my family (thank God).  Second, the guilty parties are either long gone or long dead.  Third, if you are ultra sensitive, you might want to read a different post.  Maybe something more upbeat.

When I got into recovery and started working the 12 steps, I found it very hard to forgive all the sexual damage that was done to me.  Rest assured, I kept my virginity through it all, but I had to fight tooth and nail to keep it.  I've been molested and nearly raped several times.  I had my first (and last) kiss ruined in college by some numb nut who thought I would like it if he tried to shove his tongue down my throat--I didn't want or ask to be kissed in the first place.  I've had other forms of perverse sexual behavior forced on me (a rather graphic incident at a swimming pool when I was nine comes to mind--I'll not write it here).

Well, if you kept your virginity, what's the problem?

It's a problem because now, at 41 years old, I am damaged goods.  People often ask me why at this late age--like I'm old or something--that I'm not married, or at least dating and looking.  Here's why; no man in his right mind should be subjected to all my junk.  Good men--not lazy, trifling, sorry, thuggish men--are tired of needy, damaged women.  It's not fair to subject them to such nonsense.  He would need to go through a 12 step program to date me.  No kidding!  I have so many fears surrounding sexuality and relationships.  Some of my hangups about this are why I've been obese for so long. I was afraid that a man would find me attractive...

Can I tell you a secret?  My most hated cuss word is the "F" word.  I don't like profanity--real profanity not southern cussin' (that's different)-- but I often wondered why that one word sends shockwaves through my nervous system.  Of all things, a TV program brought it out.  Craig Ferguson was doing an interview with Stephen Fry.  Both men are from Great Britain.  They were commenting on the differences in US television and programming in the UK.  Mr. Fry made mention of the "F" word and said he didn't understand the censorship of the word on network television in the United States.  After all, in his reasoning, the word simply meant "intercourse" or "copulation," which to him were beautiful things, and of course, Mr. Ferguson agreed.  Sorry gentlemen, not to me.  Yes, the word is a slang word for sex, but to me that act is only in the context of rape or a man taking from a woman that which has not been offered.  It is a man trying to prove his manhood by overpowering a woman and forcing her to do his will.  There's nothing beautiful about that. So there is a Late Late Show episode that had me crying with something other than laughter.

...So, if a man found me physically attractive, he would simply take from me what he wanted and go.  Now, do you understand why forgiving was so hard?  These males (I refuse to call them men) stole a lot from me.  They stole my dignity and my right to be a woman and act like a lady instead of a scared little wannabe tomboy.  For a while, they removed my trust of men.   They took some of my innocence away and replaced it with terror and dysfunction.  They stole any hope I have of acceptance.  In our society, it's unacceptable to be older than 30 and unmarried.  They pilfered my children and my mom's grandchildren, thus a lot of potential happiness.

I put on weight thinking that maybe that would deter potentially lecherous goobers.  No luck.  The heavier I got, the more it seemed to happen. (!!)  Now, I care more about my health than the goobers.  I most likely can outrun the goobers.  If not, I can always to Madea on them!  Or better yet, Bon Qui Qui--I will CUT you!

My forgiveness was NOT for their benefit, but mine.  My anger at them was hurting me, not them. My excess weight was killing me, not them.  I didn't forgive simply because God said to;  I did it because He knows that forgiveness is what brings healing.  Bitterness is deadly.  I heard Joyce Meyer say that harboring unforgiveness was like drinking poison hoping that the other person would die.  Doesn't work, does it?

Can I Go Now? - The Weekly Hodgepodge

Shout out to From This Side of the Pond for the Hodgepodge questions.

The USA will mark Columbus Day on Monday, October 14th this year...what's something you need or want to explore (literally or metaphorically speaking)?

I really want to travel and explore the world.  Starting with all the lovely places here in Alabama and on to the rest of the world.  I've pinned some the places I want to go on Pinterest.

The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, or Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty...who do you most love to hate?

Out of all of those, I've only seen The Wizard of Oz, so I guess the Wicked Witch of the West.  I don't really know...or care.

 Is open-mindedness a virtue?

It depends.  If a person is so closed minded that he sees no wrong in himself or no need to be open to the ideas of others, then open-mindedness is a good thing to cultivate.  However, if a person is so open minded that he is extremely gullible and naïve, then open-mindedness is not a virtue at all.

 How often do you weigh yourself?

I used to weigh once a week, but when the numbers aren't going the right way, it was hard for me to look over a whole week and see where the problems were.  I now weigh daily for a while.  This will show me what affect certain things have on my body.  For example, this last "m" cycle, I put on 8 pounds of water weight in 4 days !  (I've already peed out 4lbs of it--whew).  If weighing daily starts to make me paranoid, I will go back to once a week.  So far, so good.

Costa Rica was recently named the happiest country in the world on The Happy Planet Index.  What's the happiest country in the world to you, and what makes it so?

Let's see...um Hawaii...no that's NOT a country!  Let's see, Scotland has the Fairy Pools at Isles of Skye, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival and Craig Ferguson...but I've never been there, so that doesn't count either.  Ask me a Bible, music or grammar question!  I'm good at those.

Besides The Bible, what is one book you think should be mandatory reading for every high school student?

Just one? Are you kidding? It's a toss up between two books I mentioned a while back in a blog post. 

Unchained by Mac Gober.  Gober is a Vietnam veteran and former outlaw biker who starts life in a violent home devoid of a real father figure and ends up starting a ministry (Canaan Land in Autaugaville, Alabama) to bring the love of the Heavenly Father to the hurting.  I met Mr. Gober many years ago and I actually have an autographed copy of the book.  My second favorite biography is American on Purpose by Craig Ferguson.  Ferguson is a Scottish-born actor, comedian, and the host of The Late Late Show.  His road to success and U. S. citizenship was paved with many, MANY potholes including alcohol and drug addiction, a couple of failed marriages, and the perils of trying to “hit it big” in show business.  I like this book because it’s not “Hollywood” at all.  Both of the authors are very honest about the good, the bad, and the VERY ugly.  They should meet.

These two books teach many vital lessons.  They show the realities of addiction and that anyone can be tempted to screw up their lives.  They both show that redemption and recovery are possible and necessary to live a full life.  

I went shopping at some nearby outlets last week, and while I was there, I picked up a couple of Christmas gifts. How about you? Have you started your holiday shopping yet?

Shopping?  No.  Crafting?  Yes.

Insert your own random thought here

A few posts back, I said I was tired of writing about bad memories and hard times.  Well, I got some more bad news today.  However, I'm not going to curl up, turn in to a hermit, and start eating like there's no tomorrow.  I'm going to win this one! 

Psalm 112:7 - He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.

 

Blog Challenge Day 07: Unopened Gifts

Blog challenge is from Can I Get Another Bottle of Whine

 

Day 07: What is your dream job, and why?

Hmmm...now here's the rub.  How much do I trust you with?

What's the worst that could happen?

Well, you could send me nasty e-mails telling me that my dreams are stupid, that I'm an arrogant...something, and that you'll never read my blog again.  Ah, that's your problem!  So here goes.

God has blessed me with many gifts and talents that are marketable and I've been giving them away as freebies for years.  Here are a few things I would like to do, or at least try to see if I'm any good at them:

• Music - I've been a musician for more than 25 years.  My two best instruments are bass guitar and drums.  I'm not even looking to necessarily have my name in lights or be the big cheese.  I think I would enjoy being a studio musician who plays for professional recordings.  Another thought, if you watch Craig Ferguson, you know he's always griping about not having a band on his late night talk show.  Well....HELLO!
• Voice Work - I'm sure I can find the broadcast grade voice I had back in college.  Commercials, movies, radio programs, podcasts, you name it.  I also happen to know that Scholastic has audio books for kids (my class loved these).  I love to read aloud.  It would be awesome to get paid to share my joy of books with children all over the world.
• Writing - I need to put the book ideas I have in my head down on paper.  I may have to self publish at first, but it would be a start.  I've also heard of people getting paid to guest blog for big name bloggers.  I don't have a clue how to be chosen, but I can be praying about it.  Good writers always need editors...I'm very good at finding other people's typos and grammatical errors (that whole teacher thing, I guess).
• Public Speaking - I love to share what I learn and experience with people who want to hear.  Here's a sample:  https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/29899706/Player%209_%20%20Love.mp3
• Craft Business - I've tried this, but want to get another opportunity to do it again, full throttle without hindrances.  My favorite crafts to do are crochet and painting.  I've shared pictures of some of my creations in earlier posts.
• My friends keep telling me that my wit and spiritual gift of sarcasm are made for Hollywood.  We'll see.
• Once I've reached my fitness goals, I would like to be certified as a personal fitness instructor/trainer. 

As you can see, I am quite marketable.  God took this timid, talentless, nobody, and packed me full of all this...and then some.  Now, to figure out how to get out of JackVegas and use some of it.

Eating Beans on the Front Row: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Shout out to From This Side of the Pond for the Hodgepodge questions.

 What's one thing that's still the same about you as when you were young(er)?

My love of music.  It's really strange because I wasn't a musical child growing up.  I showed no aptitude for music at all and sung the "daycare version" of every song (enthusiastic, but loud and off key).  Not until I was a teenager did I show any musical prowess at all.

What's more important-history or science? Why?



"Jhona's Paradise" painting by me 

I think both are important.  We need to know accurate history so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past, or so that we can recreate the successes of the past.  Science helps us to think analytically.  Science also gives  us a glimpse into the creativity of God.  I think about the intricacies of a flower.  My photographs try to capture them and my paintings can never capture them all, yet its Creator knows them all.

Lima, kidney, string, garbanzo, black or pinto-your favorite bean?

Sugar snap peas or snow peas.

What's something people come to your town to do?

Attend college at Jacksonville State University.  People also come here to join the Marching Southerners.  If they're smart, they get out of Dodge when they graduate.

When was the last time you were in a meeting? Sum it up for us in five words or less.

The last meeting I was in was a church business meeting.  I cannot sum it up in five words or less because the words I would use are not fit to print.  Thank you and amen.

What special event would you like a VIP pass to attend?

I don't know if this counts, but I would like to sit on "lesbian" row at a taping of The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson.  Relax, it's not specifically for lesbians, it's just a set of front row seats where pretty girls (and some unsuspecting guys) sit.  They just call it that as a joke  Yeah, I know I don't qualify to sit there, but I'd be able to actually see what was going on if I did sit there.

I would also like VIP seats to an Atlanta Braves game...really, I'd like front row VIP seats to a lot of things.  I've gone to many concerts, Gospel meetings, and sporting events and not sat close enough to really see (or get good pictures of) what was going on.  Would be nice for a change.

What's one piece of advice you'd give a writer?

If you're pleased with what you write, other people's opinions really don't matter.  Yes, you want people to read your work and like it, but putting too much of other people's expectations and not enough of your own heart into your work makes for a miserable (and dull) writer.  That is why my first blog was a failure.  It was a very edited, fearful, timid version of who I really was.  Not good.

Insert your own random thought here.

Can't think of anything, so I'll share a song that's been in my mind:

Wa-wa Moments: The Weekly Hodgepodge.

 

What's something you're never too young or too old to enjoy?

A good book.  The very young can enjoy a book by having it read to them.  The very old can enjoy a book by reading to the very young.

Share one happy memory from your high school years.

Homecoming 1989:  The marching band went to the bottom floor of each of two main school buildings and played out fight song.  The students loved it.  The teachers?  Not so much.  :)

A nationwide strike of fast food employees took place in the US last week...they're calling for higher wages and the right to unionize.  Your thoughts?

Hey, at least they have jobs.

September is National Honey Month...what's a favorite dish you make or eat that calls for honey?

Don't have one.  I don't eat honey. I like it; I just don't eat it.

If you notice someone with a tag sticking out, a button unbuttoned, a shirt inside-out, or some leftover lunch between their teeth,  do you say something or do you keep quiet?

It depends on who it is and what the problem is.  If it's someone I know well, I know whether to say something.  My friend Marie and I are alike when it comes to tags being out.  Leave it alone, it makes my neck itch.  If your slip is showing, or you've got a button open that shouldn't be open, Marie would say "Your shimmy's shinnin'.'" 

What's a movie that always makes you cry? Or at least makes you feel like crying?

The Miracle Worker (the original one).  The very end when Helen finally understands what words are.  It's beautiful

Mary Had a Little Lamb was written in 1830, and published in Juvenile Miscellany in September of that same year. Now for the fun part...create your own four line rhyme using that same tune.

Some glad morning when this life is o'er.....oh wait, I'm thinking about the Marching Southerners again.  I'm just not good at this game.  WHUP TROY!

Insert your own random thought here.

Can't think of anything....so let's just DANCE!

 

Hodgepodge questions provided here.

http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/2013/09/a-honey-of-hodgepodge.html

The Day I Found Out I Was Fat

I believe that we are all born with a God-given sense of special purpose.  Every baby believes that he is special, wanted, and loved.  Psalm 139:14 says that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" by our Creator.  Every girl is a beautiful princess, and every boy an awesome warrior of some sort.  Depending on how we grew up will determine how long this joyful innocence lasts. 



If only that 11 year old girl had
known that 171 pounds wasn't
such a bad place to be, she might
have stayed that size.

Somewhere along the line "reality" sets in and all hell breaks loose.  Something happens and we begin to believe that we are fat, ugly, and worthless.  People we love and trust come along to help cement that thought in our minds.  Madison Avenue and the Abercrombe and Fitch's of the world perpetuate a gaunt, lifeless image and taut it as "cool."  Then, who we are doesn't matter to anyone; only what we look like gets us anywhere. 
 
Well, my "reality" set in when I was about four years old.  I was in Anniston's Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, having had my first eye surgery.  The hospital had a lovely play area for the recovering young patients.  I remember that I was being pulled around the room and hallway in a little red wagon.  I don't remember who was pulling it--could have been my mom, one of my siblings, a nurse, or even the doctor.  I do remember looking down at myself.  I was wearing a nightgown, and because I was four years old, AND because all kids that age would rather be naked than wear clothes or shoes, I looked down and saw my legs.  Wow, my legs look like the big fried chicken legs mama makes.  Wait, that ain't right.  Then, like a bolt of lightning, all the snickers and comments from my family and other children made perfect sense.  I'm fat.  I'm not like other children.  That's why I'm in the wagon and not on the floor with the other kids. I'm the one they're laughing at.  I'm not special, wanted, or loved.  So, along with why I had to have the eye surgery in the first place, I had something else to be ashamed of.

That memory fueled more than 30 years of debilitating self loathing, poor health, and a life of mere survival.  That memory continues to put a huge wedge between what is and what should be, what I am and what I should (and want) to be.

To this day, I still look down at my legs.  Although I am still far from my goal, I have a better outlook.  I see strength in those legs.  I see miles ran and miles to run.  I see a future of winter boots and summer heels that accent and show off the definition in the muscles of those legs (nothing provocative, relax).  I see legs that may learn to dance someday. I see legs that bounce babies as they laugh.  I see legs that sometimes recline on my desk when I'm reading a book.

I am looking forward to the day my innocence is returned.  I look forward to the occasions where I can feel like a special, wanted, and loved beautiful princess again.  It's coming.  I don't know when, but it's coming...

SIDE NOTE:  This video is several years old, but it so aptly describes what media images have done to our psyches.  Enjoy!

Overrated Reality: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge questions provided by From This Side of the Pond.

What's your worst food memory?  How about one of your best?

I wrote about my worst food memory here.  My most recent best food moment happened here.  It was great mainly because the food was secondary (or even tertiary) to the fun time we had.  No, this post isn't going to be full of links...I don't think.  :)

Do you appreciate people telling it like it is, or would you rather a person temper his/her words, and maybe beat around the bush a little?  How about when you're the one communicating...which type are you?

Ephesians 4:15 says to speak the truth in love.  I don't want people to sugar coat the truth or hem and haw about it.  Quit fiddle farting around and get it said.  However, there is a way to say things that gets it said, yet doesn't pierce someone to their very soul.  As far as my technique of communication:  after living from childhood to my late 30's not being able to communicate my feelings, I try to be open and honest with a slight twist of humor sarcasm.  ;)  

What's your favorite place to hang out?

My office/make mess room. 

 When do you most feel like you're a slave to time?

At church.  I want to fellowship with and get to know my new church family but with worship practice, rushing out of Sunday school to get ready to play, and everyone else rushing off with their families as soon as the last "amen" is said, I become a slave to their time.  Sorry, but a quick, "Hey, how are you?  How's ya' mama 'nem?" isn't cutting it.

What was the last concert you attended?  Who'd you go with?  Was it any good? 

My friend Karen and I went to a benefit concert put on by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.  The musicianship and performance were excellent. They just didn't do many songs that I knew.  It did give me some inspiration that I, unfortunately, can't do anything with.

Reality TV...harmful or harmless?  What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to reality TV?

The level of harm depends on the show and the type of person who watches.  For example, a person with OCD tendencies should NOT watch Hoarders.  People also need to realize that much of this "reality" isn't real at all.  My favorite reality type show is The Biggest Loser.  I'm well aware that the contestants' speed of weight loss is unattainable for someone with a life outside of the gym, but their stories and triumphs inspire me.  I would like to go back and watch past seasons, but Hulu.com being what it is wants to charge for it.  Not paying for cable is why I watch it online in the first place! 

 What's something you think is overrated?

•  Starbucks.
• Twitter - I use it, but I like Facebook much better.
• Dark chocolate
• Low-carb diets
• Sex (not from experience of course)
• Jay Leno's late night show.
• Designer clothes
• European football (what we in the states call soccer)
• Apple products (except the I-pod)
• Smoothies - I think I'm going to donate my blender to the thrift store.  I can't make a good smoothie for anything.
• "Smart" cars.  I would write Craig Ferguson's joke here about smart cars, but it's not appropriate for children...or adults...but he's right.
• Cell phones that do everything EXCEPT make a decent phone call.
• I guess that's enough.

Insert your own random thought here.

Had this song on my mind today.  I'm in a silly mood and with school starting around here, was thinking of my preschool class.

Five Minute Friday: "Small"

Thanks to Lisa-Jo Baker at Five Minute Friday for the prompts.

 

  

GO!

Song of Solomon says that the "little foxes spoil the vine."  I've certainly let little things spoil my health vine lately:  Little compromises here, little bouts of tired and/or lazy there.  I want to pick up and do better.

I'm thinking about a couple of my recovery heroes; my mentor, Jim, and my "celebrity hero," comedian Craig Ferguson.  Both are recovering alcoholics and addicts who been off the "stuff" for more than two decades (Jim, more than THREE!).  I just keep wondering "How do they do it?  How do they never drink the stuff again?"  I strive to handle my addiction the same way.  I just haven't been able to see my self do this yet.   How?  How do I never eat something for emotional reasons again?  How do I say no to something I know can kill me?  How do I do this?  How?

TIMES UP!

We Be Jammin'!: 30-Day Blog Challenge, Day 25

Put your i-pod/i-tunes on shuffle what are the first ten songs?

[Blog Challenge:  Day 25]
 

If you didn't think I was weird before, you will now.  I'm not even going to explain them.  Just listen and enjoy (or shake your head and pray for me). 

• Theme from The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson.

 

• That Kinda Girl by D.C. Talk

 

• Sweeter - Israel Haughton and Lakewood Church's Praise Band

• R.I.O.T (Righteous Invasion of Truth) - Carman

 

• I Like To Move It - From the Movie Madagascar







• Grano De Mostaza - by Ricardo Sanchez

• Slam - by Carman

• Awesome In This Place - Hillsongs

• Addicted To Jesus - Carman

• God is Exalted - by Carman (I guess the shuffle was in a Carman mood??)

Hmmm... didn't come out as weird as I thought.  No 80's music, no Monkees, no kids songs (unless you count the Move It song); not even Scottish Rite Temple Stomp.  The shuffle was merciful.  :)

[I'm linking up with So, Funny Story http://ktslifeisfunny.blogspot.com for this 30 day  blog challenge.]

The Weekly Hodgepodge is Blinking 12:00.

Thanks to From This Side of the Pond for this week's questions.

Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?

Technology, definitely. The advancement in medical technology is also wonderful.

How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?

The advancement of the "laptop gangster:" those conniving little cowards who hide behind fake names and avatars who say hateful nasty things that they would never say in someone's face.  Shameful.  Also, the fact that when I was younger, good Christians were considered "salt of the earth" people to be respected.  Now, it's sadly different.  For some, Christians are viewed as enemies.  Pitiful.

Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?

My favorite star? Craig Ferguson.  What?!  I try to be home and inside by dark, I've never seen a starfish or a starling in real life, and I've only been to Starbucks once...and I was not impressed.

Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway?

Shout to the Lord.  There are 50 gazillion versions of this song!  The original by Hillsongs is the best.  I could hear it over and over again.

When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?

About two years ago.

What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?

Live it; don't just say it.

When was the last time you were without power?

The power pops off and on a lot around here, so coming home to find my alarm clock and VCR blinking 12;00 is no big deal.  Yes, I still have a VCR.  In fact, I have two of them.

Insert your own random thought here.

Life wasn't simpler when I was younger; we were just BROKE!

UPDATE: Ok, I've been to Starbucks twice now...and I'm still not impressed.

You Can Call Me Auntie: 30-Day Blog Challenge, Day 20

Nicknames You've Had

[Blog Challenge:  Day 20]
 

I've only had a few nicknames in my life, some good, some bad, some meh.  I'll mention the top three here: 

• "Black Boy" or just "Boy" - my dad always called me that.  He wanted more sons, but had mostly daughters.  I didn't mind so much....then.
• "Shamu the Killer Whale" - Comedian and Late, Late Show host Craig Ferguson talks about being overweight and how kids always give the fat kid a nickname.  His was Tubby; Mine was Shamu the Killer Whale.  It was "given" to me in 11th grade on the band practice field by Dominc Sinclair, one of our bass drummers.  It wasn't long till he had most of the band calling me that.  I remember when we went to Washington DC on a band trip, we were in the hotel swimming pool and I decided to get out of the water.  When I pulled myself onto the side of the pool, I had to sort of roll as I pulled (have I mentioned that I'm short?).  The rest of the band saw it, pointed and laughed, and said, "there goes Shamu getting out of the water.  I wonder what trick she's going to do next?"  If I could have gone home right then, I would have.  I wonder where Mr. Sinclair is these days?  Hmmm...
• "Auntie" - being an aunt and great aunt several times over started the ball rolling on this name.  I adopted it as my permanent nickname because (1) I like it.  and (2) You know how some churches have the "church mothers"--the ladies who take care of everyone and who the younger people come to for advice?  Well, that was me at my home church, but I was NOT old enough to be a church mother, so I became the church Auntie.  I rather like it like that.  I hope to get to know my new church well enough for people to feel comfortable with me as Auntie.  There's people at Celebrate Recovery already calling me by that name.  So, feel free to just call me Auntie. 

{I'm linking up with So, Funny Story http://ktslifeisfunny.blogspot.com for this 30 day  blog challenge.}

Adventures of Bookworm: 30-Day Blog Challenge, Day 4

My Favorite Book [Blog Challenge:  Day 4]

My love of books began before I even attended school.  My older siblings read to me when I was little and I learned to read for myself by the time I was four.  The joy of being read aloud to (among other things) sparked my affinity for audio books, but I really enjoy those papery blog things you hold in your hand and read with your eyes too.  I’ve worn out several cards from my local library, plus I search for free Kindle books to read with my Kindle app on my laptop.  Yeah, I'm cheap.

I used to have a very large book collection, but a “temporary poverty” (as Louisa May Alcott says) sent most of my books to Amazon.com’s Internet Marketplace.  One of my dreams is that when I have my own house, I will have a Reading Room full of my favorite books and plenty of comfortable places to sit and read. 

Man, this picking one favorite anything is impossible.  Two of my favorite things are music and books.  So, in the interest of clarity and length, I will simply give a list of my favorites in categories.

Of course my favorite book of all time is the King James Version of the Bible but that’s too easy.

Favorite Fiction Book:  Sophie’s Heart by Lori Wick.  Sophie is an immigrant from the Czech Republic who finds love and acceptance in her new country, all while holding tightly to her faith in God.

Favorite Biography:  I have two favorites.  Unchained by Mac Gober.  Gober is a Vietnam veteran and former outlaw biker who starts life in a violent home devoid of a real father figure and ends up starting a ministry (Canaan Land in Autaugaville, Alabama) to bring the love of the Heavenly Father to the hurting.  I met Mr. Gober many years ago and I actually have an autographed copy of the book.  My second favorite biography is American on Purpose by Craig Ferguson.  Ferguson is a Scottish-born actor, comedian, and the host of The Late Late Show.  His road to success and U. S. citizenship was paved with many, MANY potholes including alcohol and drug addiction, a couple of failed marriages, and the perils of trying to “hit it big” in show business.  I like this book because it’s not “Hollywood” at all.  Both of the authors are very honest about the good, the bad, and the VERY ugly.  They should meet.

Favorite children’s book when I was a kid:  Curious George Goes to the Hospital by H. A. Rey.  Curious little monkey, George, gets ahold of the Man with the Yellow Hat’s jigsaw puzzle, and swallows a piece.  He has to take his first trip to the hospital to get better.  I think I read this book before I had my second eye surgery.

Favorite Children’s book when I was a teacher:  Too Many Frogs by Sandy Asher.  Rabbit likes his routine and his house nice and tidy (OCD anyone?).  Frog is his best friend who doesn’t know when he’s overstayed his welcome (In-laws anyone?)  Things come to a head when frog brings his whole family reunion to Rabbit’s house (they all had matching T-shirts, so I assume Frog and his family were black J ).  I remember one of the last Christmas presents I ever gave to my students was a CD of me reading this book.  It was our absolute favorite.

Favorite nonfiction book:  Anything by Joyce Meyer.  OK, that’s a copout.  Enjoying Where You are on the Way to Where You are Going is one of her best.  The book gives a biblical perspective of how to continue to enjoy life in the midst of hard circumstances.  I need to read that one again.

Favorite Classic Novel:  It’s a toss up between Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Favorite LOL book:  Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain.  I read this book in graduate school.  I don’t remember the exact details of the book, but I do remember that it was a riot.  Another one for my “read again” list.

Best “Fitness” book:  Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst.  God has placed within us all a need—something to crave.   The author shows us how to satisfy those cravings with more of God, not more food.  It’s a serious read with bits of humor thrown in.

So, I’m off to read some more papery blog things...

 

{I'm linking up with So, Funny Story http://ktslifeisfunny.blogspot.com for this 30 Day blog challenge.}