Tonight I am sitting in my room. I can hear the crickets through the open window behind me. The cool air that comes into the room carries the scent of fall. Can you believe the time has passed so fast? Another summer has ended. Tonight I sit listening to country music on the radio. Songs about loss and love and how they’re “gonna be somebody”. It’s nice. How many times have I sat here like this? It has become a habit. My book, my radio, my window……..My home. It seems as if I have lived here forever. Yet.....
Sunday, September 30
Home....
Thursday, September 27
Another year down......
2 years, 321 posts, 1,953 First Time Visitors *, 4,778 Total Visitors *, and 6,391 Pageloads * later I am still here.
I know. Shocking!
Who know that many people had nothing better to do with their time then read the random thoughts that pour out of my abused brain? This blog started as a place for me to write; one that no one would read, a journal of sorts. Or at least that is what I told myself. In reality, I think my inner exhibitionist was battling with my innate shyness. I really wanted to have people know what I was thinking with out having to say it out loud. Lol!
A lot has gone on in those 2 years: New friends, new family members, new housing, and various adventures. It amazes me some of the things I have written. That shy part of me cringes as I read my personal thoughts and feelings on display for the world to google. I worry every time I find that someone has googled my name and come to my blog. What will they think, why are they looking for me or the Place of Rae. Though I laugh too…I mean come on, I repeat: Why are they looking for me or the Place of Rae. I am not someone important and what I write is not all that earth shattering. It makes me chuckle to think that some out there wants to read what I have written. Lol!Nevertheless, 2 years have gone by. What started as a personal place to “spew forth my thoughts” has become a timeline of my activities; one that can help me to remember these times in my life. Because these times need to be remembered; they are some pretty good times. So here is to 2 more years…or 20 or how many ever more I get!
* Numbers based on StatCounter installed Feb '06.
Wednesday, September 26
Oh the Places You'll Go......
This blog might be part of the itchy feet problem. I came across it some how about a month ago and have been lurking ever since. Many of you might not think it would be cool to RV around the US. But for those of us that have a hard time settling in one place this seems like a perfect idea. I love seeing the places they go and the things they see. This last week or so they have been to the home town of Samuel Clemens, Hannibal Missouri, Independence, Missouri and Coffeeville, Kansas. They are currently somewhere in Oklahoma. Lol! Hmmm.......the people you get to meet when you travel through those towns in the middle of the US. You never know what you'll find.
Lol!
Maybe someday I can travel like them. For now, I will enjoy the comforts of a home that isn’t on wheels and live vicariously through The Mighty Quinns. Lol!
Lol!
Maybe someday I can travel like them. For now, I will enjoy the comforts of a home that isn’t on wheels and live vicariously through The Mighty Quinns. Lol!
Tuesday, September 25
The Pitter Patter of Little Feet
They Keep Coming.....
Congrats go out to the newest expectant mothers in the Gifford / Hinkson Clan!
My big brother and his wife are expecting baby #2 in March.
AND (!)
The New Mr and Mrs. James Fraze will have a new little one joining their family next May!!!
That brings the Grandkid total to 9! Whew! Mom is finally getting her wish. Lol!
Congrats go out to the newest expectant mothers in the Gifford / Hinkson Clan!
My big brother and his wife are expecting baby #2 in March.
AND (!)
The New Mr and Mrs. James Fraze will have a new little one joining their family next May!!!
That brings the Grandkid total to 9! Whew! Mom is finally getting her wish. Lol!
Monday, September 24
Itchy feet....
It is happening again. That urge to move. It happens every so often. But lately, it has gotten to be a pretty strong pull. My lease is up shortly so I can do it. But where to go? And when? I am locked into my current employment situation for the next couple of months. I gave my word that I would be here, and so I will. But what about after that?
I miss real snow...maybe I should move to the North East...it gets cold in Maine. Or how about Alaska, there is definitely snow there. I don't have my degree but I definitely have experience, so maybe it would be worth something. Maybe New York, I have always wanted to go there. Steph suggested Montana...But that would require me buying a car. Which I could probably do...maybe.
Any suggestions?
I miss real snow...maybe I should move to the North East...it gets cold in Maine. Or how about Alaska, there is definitely snow there. I don't have my degree but I definitely have experience, so maybe it would be worth something. Maybe New York, I have always wanted to go there. Steph suggested Montana...But that would require me buying a car. Which I could probably do...maybe.
Any suggestions?
Thursday, September 20
A Day of Rest: Day 2
There is something about waking up to the sounds of birds chirping that relaxes. Maybe it is my unconscious desire to be Cinderella? What do you think?
I currently sit in my bed underneath my open window. The sky is blue, the air is crisp, the birds are chirping, and every so often I can here the trains for the metro. I have the radio playing to add a little noise; I can’t believe how silent the house is at 9 am on a weekday.
Today is the second day off that I am taking. No reason really, though I get the opportunity to tour the White House today. I am kind of excited and I will be leaving once my clothes are done in the dryer. These days off are more pleasant then I expected. They remind me of those coveted Christmas vacation days years ago in high school. You know the kind I am talking about..... You wake up early because you are in the habit, but there is no reason to get up so you just lie there listening to the world come alive. Once others are up and about you get up and chat while they go about whatever they are doing.
I think this is the best vacation I could have taken, usually when I take time off there is a rigid schedule of things that I want to do. Just last week I planned my day off starting at 9 am and not coming home until 9 pm. But today, I only have the WH tour planned, and that is not until later today so I can just relax this morning. Some good country music and a good book…..*sigh* perfection.
Hope you are having a great day!
I currently sit in my bed underneath my open window. The sky is blue, the air is crisp, the birds are chirping, and every so often I can here the trains for the metro. I have the radio playing to add a little noise; I can’t believe how silent the house is at 9 am on a weekday.
Today is the second day off that I am taking. No reason really, though I get the opportunity to tour the White House today. I am kind of excited and I will be leaving once my clothes are done in the dryer. These days off are more pleasant then I expected. They remind me of those coveted Christmas vacation days years ago in high school. You know the kind I am talking about..... You wake up early because you are in the habit, but there is no reason to get up so you just lie there listening to the world come alive. Once others are up and about you get up and chat while they go about whatever they are doing.
I think this is the best vacation I could have taken, usually when I take time off there is a rigid schedule of things that I want to do. Just last week I planned my day off starting at 9 am and not coming home until 9 pm. But today, I only have the WH tour planned, and that is not until later today so I can just relax this morning. Some good country music and a good book…..*sigh* perfection.
Hope you are having a great day!
Tuesday, September 18
More Sad news...
Years ago, I worked a night shift for Sears Home Central. While there I met Eric, an extremely shy man with a love for RPG's and Anime, your basic geek. Eric, knowing of my love for books introduced me to many things, including Ranma 1/2, which still makes me laugh all these years later. More importantly, Eric introduced me to the World or Robert Jordan. The Wheel of Time Series quickly became a favorite of mine, as a matter of fact I own the entire collection (and just purchased the same for my roommate. Happy Birthday Kim.).
So it was quite a shock to learn that Robert Jordan passed away on Sunday (9/16/07). I didn't even know he was ill. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends.
As reported in the Associated Press:
Robert Jordan
So it was quite a shock to learn that Robert Jordan passed away on Sunday (9/16/07). I didn't even know he was ill. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends.As reported in the Associated Press:
Robert Jordan
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Author Robert Jordan, whose "Wheel of Time" series of fantasy novels sold millions of copies, died of a rare blood disease. He was 58.
Jordan, whose real name was James Oliver Rigney Jr., was born and lived in this southern city most of his life.
He died Sunday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston of complications from primary amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy, his personal assistant, Maria Simons, said Monday.
The blood disease caused the walls of Rigney's heart to thicken.
He wrote a trilogy of historical novels set in Charleston under the pen name Reagan O'Neal in the early 1980s. Then he turned his attention to fantasy and the first volume in his Wheel of Time epic, "The Eye of the World," was published in 1990 under the name Robert Jordan.
Jordan's books tells of Rand al'Thor, who is destined to become the champion who will battle ultimate evil in a mythical land.
Book 11, "Knife of Dreams," came out in 2005; there was also a prequel, "New Spring: The Novel," in 2004. The other titles in the series include "The Great Hunt," "Lord of Chaos" and "The Path of Daggers." Jordan was working on a 12th volume at the time of his death, Simons said.
In a 2004 online chat on the USA Today Web site, Jordan said he hoped to finish the main "Wheel" series in two more books. Most of the books made The New York Times list of best sellers.
A graduate of The Citadel, South Carolina's state military college, Rigney worked as a nuclear engineer at the old Charleston Naval Shipyard before taking up writing full time in 1977. He served two tours of duty with the Army in Vietnam. He was decorated several times, including winning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star.
Monday, September 17
How do you like me now?
So I saw this over at Sherpa's and had a strong desire to copy it. Which is your favorite me?
1. MY ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
2. MY GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
4. MY DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
5. MY SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
6. MY STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
7. MY SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
8. MY NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
9. MY WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names)
10. MY TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
11. MY SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
12. MY CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
13. MY HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
14. MY ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
1. MY ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Baby Metro (I knew there was a reason I should buy a car.)
2. MY GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Peach Snickerdoodle (Why do my names resemble hookers?)
3. MY “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)R-Gif
4. MY DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Teal stallion
5. MY SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Rae Pocatello
(not having a middle name, I fell back on what I’m called when I’m in trouble…Rachel Rae…)
(not having a middle name, I fell back on what I’m called when I’m in trouble…Rachel Rae…)
6. MY STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
GifRa
7. MY SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Green Cherry Coke (something tells me I would end up in Hero Support. Lol!)
8. MY NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
Homer Lavaughn (or LaVaughn Homer…either way we are ready for NASCAR!)
9. MY WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names)
Sue Ray (How awful is that, I think I would rather be killed by whoever was hunting me. Lol!)
10. MY TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Reuban Reykjavik (I sound male, that is not so good, hopefully the viewing audience would know I wasn’t)
11. MY SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
St Patrick Lilac (Sounds like a good healthy catholic girl…right? Lol!)
12. MY CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Peach turtleneckie (sigh something tells me my show would have been cancelled)
13. MY HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Bagel Blue Spruce (never was able to pull of the granola girl thing, oh well)
14. MY ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
The Reading Storm Tour (Oh gosh even my rockstar tour name sounds like a tour of librarians…I am such a geek. Lol!)
Sunday, September 16
A night with the Mormons....
I started writing about my day off, while sitting at the base of the Washington Monument on Thursday. I learned so much it is hard to get it in to one post….I will post it soon.
I skipped the Renascence Fair in Annapolis today, but that didn't make my day any less interesting...
Joy and I went to see a fellow Mormon Jjana Valentiner in her one woman show called Funeral Potatoes. (Plot: A Mormon family coming to terms with the loss of a grandpa who wasn’t such a good man.) I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was a little worried at first; the theater was tiny, more like a back room then a theater. But the show was one that really resonated with me. All the main types of Mormon women were present: the rebellious daughter who has been banished to a desert camp after her parents found pot in her dresser; the jack Mormon aunt, the Mom, who happens to be the wife of a bishop and can do a million things all at once and of course, the quiet and obedient daughter. It was an interesting moment for me as I listened to the monologue about the confusion of the obedient daughter. Not to say I was ever obedient or quiet, but I remember thinking the exact same thoughts at various times in my life. I mean doesn’t everyone? I don't know about you, but I didn't get 'the talent' expected of most Mormon women. I am not a one woman show who can make a meal for the family...and the sick neighbors family, placate a husband, prep the lesson for Sunday, tie a quilt, make sure the house is clean, feed the kids, shop for groceries, AND still have time for scripture study, FHE lessons, and personal time with each kid. Nor did I get 'the looks', not to say I am ugly, because I definitely have some good features but I am not ever going to be a size 4 that will stop traffic, though in reality I don’t think I would ever really want to. Sorry tangent there….back to the play….It was a fabulous look at the struggle of the individual family members.
Joy and I discussed it on the metro ride home. One of the opinions that we share was a that Jjana really understood the characters she was portraying. Sometimes people try to write or act a character they don’t understand; unfortunately, when that happens they fall back on the stereotypes. Mormons, as with every other culture, have their stereotypes that are easily exploited but if you don’t understand the characters that you are portraying, what was meant to be a funny poke at a stereotype can come across as mean and offensive. In tonight’s show there were definitely funny pokes at various realistic stereotypes, there was no offense intended and none taken. Also, I think this play was a really interesting look at the “Madonna/Whore complex” in society. I think Jjana did a great job showing us that people are never all good or all bad. We are all a mix of both, doing the best we can with what we’ve got. Jjana said that the show is a work in progress and I hope I get a chance to see it again once it has evolved.
Once home, I ended up watching a movie with Jen and Gina in which 2 of the main male characters in the movie were supposed to be Mormon. One was a young boy preparing for an LDS mission, the other one was “taking a break” from the faith. It wasn’t a bad portrayal, even if the young guy was a little hokey. It was an interesting movie, though the plot was a bit heavy and we had to fast forward through parts of it. Lol!
To round out my Mormon evening…I ended up on the phone with one of my girlfriends. A good friend of hers is attending our church for the first time. They have been having some pretty heavy gospel discussion tonight and she called to chat (i.e. have a small freak out session. Lol!).
Now I am going to hit the hay. 3 hours of church tomorrow will kill me if I don’t get at least a little sleep…lol…a Mormon’s work is never done. Lol!
I skipped the Renascence Fair in Annapolis today, but that didn't make my day any less interesting...
Joy and I went to see a fellow Mormon Jjana Valentiner in her one woman show called Funeral Potatoes. (Plot: A Mormon family coming to terms with the loss of a grandpa who wasn’t such a good man.) I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was a little worried at first; the theater was tiny, more like a back room then a theater. But the show was one that really resonated with me. All the main types of Mormon women were present: the rebellious daughter who has been banished to a desert camp after her parents found pot in her dresser; the jack Mormon aunt, the Mom, who happens to be the wife of a bishop and can do a million things all at once and of course, the quiet and obedient daughter. It was an interesting moment for me as I listened to the monologue about the confusion of the obedient daughter. Not to say I was ever obedient or quiet, but I remember thinking the exact same thoughts at various times in my life. I mean doesn’t everyone? I don't know about you, but I didn't get 'the talent' expected of most Mormon women. I am not a one woman show who can make a meal for the family...and the sick neighbors family, placate a husband, prep the lesson for Sunday, tie a quilt, make sure the house is clean, feed the kids, shop for groceries, AND still have time for scripture study, FHE lessons, and personal time with each kid. Nor did I get 'the looks', not to say I am ugly, because I definitely have some good features but I am not ever going to be a size 4 that will stop traffic, though in reality I don’t think I would ever really want to. Sorry tangent there….back to the play….It was a fabulous look at the struggle of the individual family members.
Joy and I discussed it on the metro ride home. One of the opinions that we share was a that Jjana really understood the characters she was portraying. Sometimes people try to write or act a character they don’t understand; unfortunately, when that happens they fall back on the stereotypes. Mormons, as with every other culture, have their stereotypes that are easily exploited but if you don’t understand the characters that you are portraying, what was meant to be a funny poke at a stereotype can come across as mean and offensive. In tonight’s show there were definitely funny pokes at various realistic stereotypes, there was no offense intended and none taken. Also, I think this play was a really interesting look at the “Madonna/Whore complex” in society. I think Jjana did a great job showing us that people are never all good or all bad. We are all a mix of both, doing the best we can with what we’ve got. Jjana said that the show is a work in progress and I hope I get a chance to see it again once it has evolved.
Once home, I ended up watching a movie with Jen and Gina in which 2 of the main male characters in the movie were supposed to be Mormon. One was a young boy preparing for an LDS mission, the other one was “taking a break” from the faith. It wasn’t a bad portrayal, even if the young guy was a little hokey. It was an interesting movie, though the plot was a bit heavy and we had to fast forward through parts of it. Lol!
To round out my Mormon evening…I ended up on the phone with one of my girlfriends. A good friend of hers is attending our church for the first time. They have been having some pretty heavy gospel discussion tonight and she called to chat (i.e. have a small freak out session. Lol!).
Now I am going to hit the hay. 3 hours of church tomorrow will kill me if I don’t get at least a little sleep…lol…a Mormon’s work is never done. Lol!
Wednesday, September 12
A Day of Rest
Good Morning Every One!
Since I canceled the trip to Europe I've been wanting to take some time off. So I decided to take a couple of days here and there. I have a few dr./dentist appointments and 2 whole days this month that I am taking off. I can sleep in and do what ever I want on those two days! I am so excited. What am I going to do for my 2 days? I am going to play tourist in The District.
Unfortunately, today is my first day and I have been awake since a bit before 7 am. Looks like sleeping in is out. Oh well, I will survive. I am headed off to get tickets for the Holocaust Museum and the Washington Monument. Wahoo!
I'm taking my laptop (how would I check my eBay bids with out it? Lol!) so I'll see you at Starbucks this afternoon!
Since I canceled the trip to Europe I've been wanting to take some time off. So I decided to take a couple of days here and there. I have a few dr./dentist appointments and 2 whole days this month that I am taking off. I can sleep in and do what ever I want on those two days! I am so excited. What am I going to do for my 2 days? I am going to play tourist in The District.
Unfortunately, today is my first day and I have been awake since a bit before 7 am. Looks like sleeping in is out. Oh well, I will survive. I am headed off to get tickets for the Holocaust Museum and the Washington Monument. Wahoo!
I'm taking my laptop (how would I check my eBay bids with out it? Lol!) so I'll see you at Starbucks this afternoon!
Tuesday, September 11
We Remember.....
Suburban Dad
Robert Pugliese was a true suburban dad. He took the two-hour trip from his job as an assistant vice president at Marsh & McLennan to his house in East Fishkill, N.Y., in stride. As soon as he got home, there were bowling matches, basketball games and softball games to attend. Although his long trip prevented him from taking the lead in coaching his children's teams, he still kept score or coached at third base. When Mr. Pugliese's three children became teenagers, he took on a new role as their personal chauffeur, often driving them to and from part-time jobs. Sometimes he took them in his 1978 Thunderbird, a rust- brown hulk of a car with a peeling interior that he inherited from his father in 1993. "Everybody knew him because of that car," his wife, Maureen Pugliese, said. "As long as he put his key in the car and it started, that was fine with him. He didn't care what kind of a car he had."The car, which is no longer running, is parked on the street in front of the family's home. It is a daily reminder of Mr. Pugliese. "Nothing was a problem," his mother, Josephine Pugliese, said. "He would say, 'Mother don't worry. As long as I've got my health, I'm the richest person in the world.' " Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 24, 2001.
Last year I wrote of my experience because I was unable to find more information on Mr Pugliese. His son responded with these touching words:
Anonymous said...
I just found your blog through google. Robert is my father, Lisa being my older sister. He was a great dad; I didn't realize what I had until he was gone. May be rest in peace.
Thanks for writing what you did; it really means a lot.......
Take care.
I only hope that we all can find a measure of peace and comfort as we reflect on the horrible events of 9/11/01
Thanks to those that gave me links to find more information.
Monday, September 10
Thoughts....
First and Foremost
This weekend was rather fun. Friday night was low key as was most of Sat. Sat night we ended up with a group of probably 10 or 15 women back at our place playing card games until late into the night. It was a lot of fun. We taught Jen B.S. I was shocked she had never played but I think she is now a proud addict. Sunday after church Gina made a fabulous birthday dinner to celebrate Kim and we all just sat around the table talking. I talk a lot…I need to listen more, but regardless, it always fascinates me to hear the thoughts and opinions of others. And it was nice to be able to just relax and chat with the roomies. Who knows how long we will be able to do so, now that the landlord has put the house back on the market. After dinner, we pulled off the miracle of a surprise party for Kim. I’ll spare the details, but I will say that it was definitely a surprise. With cake and ice cream and lots of friends, I think everyone had fun.
Today's thoughts:
There are various reasons for today's pensive mood. Today's thoughts are on the soldiers of our country. My thoughts have turn to Soldierman in Iraq; Marty at Ft Bragg and Farmer Ted at Ft Hood, both ready to ship out; Frank who just returned from his 18 months tour; and the many, many others that continually fight. I think of the wives, girlfriends, mothers, daughters, fathers, brothers, sons, husbands, and friends who all wait patiently hoping that their loved ones will return in one piece.
Every morning I metro to work; sharing my commute with many others all headed to different destinations. Some of those are men and women in uniform. Recently, I watched a couple as they headed who knows where. He was in some sort of cammo uniform with patches on the sleeve and his last name on the front. She was dressed for the office. We were only on the train together for a short time but as I stood I couldn’t help but watch their interaction. They were sitting side by side with her head on his right shoulder. She had a double grip on his right hand. Every so often her top hand would lift to grab his upper arm. When it did, his left hand would rise to pat the hand on his arm, once or twice lifting to pat her head and smooth her hair. Her eyes were closed, as if she was sleeping, but her movements told us she was awake. He, on the other hand, was the picture of impatience. His left knee was constantly bouncing up and down, his left hand tapping the bouncing knee. He was couldn’t focus on one thing for too long; his head turning this way and that to be able see everyone and everything. I am not one to read people’s faces and theirs let me in on none of their secrets. About 4 or so stops later they both rose to get off the train. Awkwardly gathering their bags, hers a large purse. I didn’t pay any attention to his as I was focused on her. She never released his hand, not even as he led the way off the car, jostling people out of their way. Once they were on the platform they stepped out of the flow of traffic for a quick kiss; just a peck really. Then she headed one direction and he another.
With my imagination, I can come up with a million different scenarios for this couple. But it was probably nothing more then the usual morning on the way to work which I have romanticized into something meaningful. But today as I sit and think about the meaning of tomorrow and all of the military men and women world wide, I can’t help but think of the courage of the women and men that they leave behind. I think that as we honor those that proudly fight for dear Ol’ Uncle Sam, we should also honor their loved ones, those left waiting, and hoping, and praying.
They are an amazing group.
Weekend Recap:HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM!!
This weekend was rather fun. Friday night was low key as was most of Sat. Sat night we ended up with a group of probably 10 or 15 women back at our place playing card games until late into the night. It was a lot of fun. We taught Jen B.S. I was shocked she had never played but I think she is now a proud addict. Sunday after church Gina made a fabulous birthday dinner to celebrate Kim and we all just sat around the table talking. I talk a lot…I need to listen more, but regardless, it always fascinates me to hear the thoughts and opinions of others. And it was nice to be able to just relax and chat with the roomies. Who knows how long we will be able to do so, now that the landlord has put the house back on the market. After dinner, we pulled off the miracle of a surprise party for Kim. I’ll spare the details, but I will say that it was definitely a surprise. With cake and ice cream and lots of friends, I think everyone had fun.
Today's thoughts:
There are various reasons for today's pensive mood. Today's thoughts are on the soldiers of our country. My thoughts have turn to Soldierman in Iraq; Marty at Ft Bragg and Farmer Ted at Ft Hood, both ready to ship out; Frank who just returned from his 18 months tour; and the many, many others that continually fight. I think of the wives, girlfriends, mothers, daughters, fathers, brothers, sons, husbands, and friends who all wait patiently hoping that their loved ones will return in one piece.
Every morning I metro to work; sharing my commute with many others all headed to different destinations. Some of those are men and women in uniform. Recently, I watched a couple as they headed who knows where. He was in some sort of cammo uniform with patches on the sleeve and his last name on the front. She was dressed for the office. We were only on the train together for a short time but as I stood I couldn’t help but watch their interaction. They were sitting side by side with her head on his right shoulder. She had a double grip on his right hand. Every so often her top hand would lift to grab his upper arm. When it did, his left hand would rise to pat the hand on his arm, once or twice lifting to pat her head and smooth her hair. Her eyes were closed, as if she was sleeping, but her movements told us she was awake. He, on the other hand, was the picture of impatience. His left knee was constantly bouncing up and down, his left hand tapping the bouncing knee. He was couldn’t focus on one thing for too long; his head turning this way and that to be able see everyone and everything. I am not one to read people’s faces and theirs let me in on none of their secrets. About 4 or so stops later they both rose to get off the train. Awkwardly gathering their bags, hers a large purse. I didn’t pay any attention to his as I was focused on her. She never released his hand, not even as he led the way off the car, jostling people out of their way. Once they were on the platform they stepped out of the flow of traffic for a quick kiss; just a peck really. Then she headed one direction and he another.
With my imagination, I can come up with a million different scenarios for this couple. But it was probably nothing more then the usual morning on the way to work which I have romanticized into something meaningful. But today as I sit and think about the meaning of tomorrow and all of the military men and women world wide, I can’t help but think of the courage of the women and men that they leave behind. I think that as we honor those that proudly fight for dear Ol’ Uncle Sam, we should also honor their loved ones, those left waiting, and hoping, and praying.
They are an amazing group.
Friday, September 7
Sad News...
I love A Wrinkle In Time. It is one of the many YA books that continues to have a place on my shelves even though I am far from a young adult. Unfortunately for us, Madeline L'Engle passed away yesterday.She will be missed.
P.S. The Picture is of Madeline L'Engle accepting her newberry for A Wrinkle In Time. More information and pictures can be found on her personal website
This came to my attention through Cynical Dad. Chag shared his thoughts on the new book. I hate to say it but I think I might agree with him….I’m kind of shocked that this is a book. But I double checked the website. There is even a contest with tickets to the '08 finale as a prize. *sigh*
On the other hand, I now know what I am getting for 4 of my co-workers for Christmas.
Thursday, September 6
My morning......
This morning I got sucked into YouTube for just a bit. It started with this commercial ...
I mean how cute is that? It just had to be watched. Lol!
But once there I got sucked into the Peyton Manning commercials. This made me think of Steph and our Football Sundays. Large potlucks, football on the tv, conversations, me with a book. *sigh* The good ol' days.
In her honor you get....
And this one...
They make me chuckle. I hope you enjoy!
I mean how cute is that? It just had to be watched. Lol!
But once there I got sucked into the Peyton Manning commercials. This made me think of Steph and our Football Sundays. Large potlucks, football on the tv, conversations, me with a book. *sigh* The good ol' days.
In her honor you get....
And this one...
They make me chuckle. I hope you enjoy!
My Popcorn is the answer…
So for the past 2 days I have been getting emails about “Popcorn Lung” Apparently there is a lung disease that can be caused by a chemical released in the steam of microwave popcorn. Shocking! Another chemical that is bad for us! Lol!
So why are people emailing me, you ask. Well, I am a fan of popcorn, but only popcorn my way. Not the stale theater popcorn (though I do eat that), nor the dry popcorn from the air popper (though I will eat that too), but especially not the horrible microwave popcorn (blech). But what I love is my homemade popcorn, on the stove with a saucepan, olive oil (better for flavor) kernels, butter, and salt.
It started years ago when I was a wee thing. My father, Mike, made it this way. To be honest I am not sure why it was done this way; it was probably cheaper. I don’t remember it being a family thing, or ever making it with him. I don’t even remember it being made all that often. After my parents divorced, we were a microwave popcorn family; making bags by the dozen (that is what happens when there are 12 kids…you have to supply a lot of popcorn. Lol!)
Then I moved out on my own and found my addiction. I don’t even remember why I made it that way the first time, all I know is now I am known for it. I have been asked to teach it for FHE’s (those Provo wards were desperate). I have addicted more then one roommate to it; I have had it as a meal many a time. Lol! I keep a supply of the ingredients on hand at all times; it is considered a crime to run out of olive oil at my house. And now, just like learning that service can stave off depression, I learn that my popcorn is the stuff that is good for you! Just one more reason to make it! Speaking of…I ran out this morning, Gonna have to make a new batch tonight. Lol!
Oh and Sherpa…didn’t catch anything worth keeping. Lol!
So why are people emailing me, you ask. Well, I am a fan of popcorn, but only popcorn my way. Not the stale theater popcorn (though I do eat that), nor the dry popcorn from the air popper (though I will eat that too), but especially not the horrible microwave popcorn (blech). But what I love is my homemade popcorn, on the stove with a saucepan, olive oil (better for flavor) kernels, butter, and salt.
It started years ago when I was a wee thing. My father, Mike, made it this way. To be honest I am not sure why it was done this way; it was probably cheaper. I don’t remember it being a family thing, or ever making it with him. I don’t even remember it being made all that often. After my parents divorced, we were a microwave popcorn family; making bags by the dozen (that is what happens when there are 12 kids…you have to supply a lot of popcorn. Lol!)
Then I moved out on my own and found my addiction. I don’t even remember why I made it that way the first time, all I know is now I am known for it. I have been asked to teach it for FHE’s (those Provo wards were desperate). I have addicted more then one roommate to it; I have had it as a meal many a time. Lol! I keep a supply of the ingredients on hand at all times; it is considered a crime to run out of olive oil at my house. And now, just like learning that service can stave off depression, I learn that my popcorn is the stuff that is good for you! Just one more reason to make it! Speaking of…I ran out this morning, Gonna have to make a new batch tonight. Lol!
Oh and Sherpa…didn’t catch anything worth keeping. Lol!
Monday, September 3
I can quit any time I want.....
Hi My name is Rae....and I am addicted to blogging. I know; sad but true. At least I am in good company here at this BA meeting. Lol! How you doing this week Steph?
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