Fire Prompts Evacuations Near My Home...Again!

Fire Fire prompts evacuations in Tangle Aire.

These pics show you a little of what folks are going through.  It's difficult to put into words what you feel when you see it up close.  When you see that it is heading towards your friends' homes....or your own.....or your parents' (as in my case).

It's heart-wrenching.  It's emotionally draining.  It's scary.  It's tiring.

All I can do is pray for everyone involved.  And thanking the fire rescue people who put their lives on the line for the rest of us!

Craigslist Ad (for entertainment only - NOT real)

A CRAIG'S LIST PERSONALS AD

To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown  Savannah night before last.

Date: 2010-09-27, 1:43 a.m.  E.S.T.

I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.

 First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket.. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.. my girlfriend was happy that I just returned safely from my 2nd tour as a Combat Marine in Afghanistan .. She had just bought me that Kimber Custom Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!

 I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].

 After I called your mother or " Mom ma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 153 gallons and was extremely grateful!

 I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]

 I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb .... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.

 Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone. Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what 's going on with that? Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target.

 The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.).

  ;In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life.. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky. Have a good day!

Thoughtfully yours, Semper Fi,

Alex

Words for Women to Live By

Words for Women to Live By (Received in an email recently)

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the witch has everything. 

2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color. 

3. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila. 

4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls! 

5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days). 

6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it. 

7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality. 

8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here. 

9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself. 

10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.

11. When life gives you lemons - buy some Coronas. 

12. Forget about the perfect man - he's living in San Fran with his boyfriend. 

13. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest. 

14. If it has tires or testicles it's gonna give you trouble. 

15. By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong. 

'Good friends are like stars... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there'


'Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live for today'.

Now smile and share with any girl wasting time at work, suffering from a hangover, or just suffering from life, she might need a reason to smile!

Passion - Do You Know What Excites You?

Okay - let me start off by telling you this is NOT an X-rated post.  Nope, no sex or intimacy here....

So, if you are still with me after that 'disclaimer' - let me tell you what I'm talking about.  Unless you've had your head in the sand lately - there is very little chance that you haven't heard and seen the stories of the weather-related disasters.

There have been floods, the Alabama tornadoes, the Joplin, Mo. tornado, Oklahoma tornadoes and if you live in my neck of the woods - there are wildfires again.  In the past 24 hours alone - there have been fires on both sides of me - within 20 miles or so on the north and south of my home.


All of this excitement/trauma has led me to take a real close look at my life.  I've mentioned this before....but hang with me for a few moments.  I don't believe I'm the only one doing this either.  Someone at work today said that she was thinking about the things she would lose if ever something happened to her home.  She said she realized that everything that is 'important' to her is sitting at the top of a closet.  "Not the best place to have that stuff - I need to move it!" she said.

Back in February we had to evacuate my dad's place - get things moved out quick because the wildfires were bearing down quickly and he was out of town.  I made a call to ask him what he wanted me to move.  It's hard to think straight when you get slammed with that type of decision without notice.  So, he wasn't even sure.  We made the decisions for him.  I remember when that ordeal was over - I found myself considering my own belongings and what I would want to take with me.

So besides material belongings - I also find myself taking a closer look at my life in general.  And today, I saw a brief discussion on the news about what Oprah Winfrey wants for people - what final advice that she has for the public in general.  They also interviewed Dr. Phil - and he basically said the same thing.

That thing?  It was to find your passion.  Know your passion.  LIVE your passion.  Someone mentioned how difficult that is for some people because it's all they can do to make ends meet.  To work, pay their bills and feed their families.  Both Dr. Phil and Oprah said that it doesn't have to 'cost anything' and it doesn't have to be a huge ordeal.  They said that it just needs to be something that you enjoy.  Something that makes you feel good.  Something that gives you purpose so you aren't merely existing in this life.

The interesting thing for me is that I've struggled for years - all of my adult life, actually - with wondering what my passion is.  I 'like' many things.  I'm good at many things.  But, what - if there were no limitations - would I do with my life?  I have no idea.  Sad, huh?

I often wonder if it was because of my childhood.  My up-bringing.  Please understand - I am NOT blaming my parents for a bad childhood.  I love my family.  I love my parents.  No question that they loved me.  But what I mean is - no one 'taught' my parents to have goals or dreams for their lives.  All they knew is that you got married, had kids and worked to support them. Period. 

So, they in turn didn't teach me and my brother about goals and dreams.  Again - all we knew was to grow up, get married, start a family and make a living. Period.

I agree with Dr. Phil when he said that if you aren't living your passion - then you are missing your true potential.  We should all find what drives us and enjoy our time here on earth.  Therefore, on this journey I am currently on with my Savior (please see my bio or read previous posts) - I am asking Him to reveal to me what my gift is.  What is my true calling.  Show me my true passion.

And, while I'm in this discovery mode....I'm also taking some baby steps to doing some things I've wanted to do for quite some time - as far as hobbies go.  I've put them off because of dedicating my time, energy and money to my family - my husband and kids have always come first.  I tend to put myself after everything and everyone else...and unfortunately, that is not always the best thing to do.

Not to get off track here - but here is an example of when it's not so great to ALWAYS put others before yourself.  I have a lot of people that I work with that I like and they like me.  BUT - I have no real friends.  Why?  Because I 'didn't have time' to invest in true friendship (or so I thought).  I put everything I am into my husband and kids.  If you have read previous blogs - you know that my husband left me out of the clear blue a few months back.  And most recently - my daughter and I have been in the worst place ever with each other.  I was sure I had lost her (but we've recently made amends).

But through all of that - I've come to realize that none of it would have been quite so devastating to me had I not put everything into just that part of my life.  I was completely lost without them.  Overnight (it seemed) two-thirds of my life was gone.  I should have depended on God more than a husband - a man should not be who makes me feel complete and important.  I needed to have a stronger relationship with my Savior.  And I should have known that I can't be everything to everyone.  I wouldn't be in a position of needing to rebuild everything had I led my life a little differently. 

If I had taken a little more time for myself - I would most likely have friends I could lean on.  I probably would not be overweight - because I would have been more attentive to my health and made time to exercise.  IF I had hobbies or interests, then I wouldn't feel so alone during this time when my daughter is avoiding home.  Our home would most likely be a place of refuge rather than a place to avoid because of the depressing atmosphere.

Okay - my apologies for the little 'rabbit trail' I got off on....but the bottom line is that I need a purpose that is just for me.  I need to find my passion.  I need to find interests and to build myself up - to start my life anew.

For my 'baby steps' - I am picking up a hobby that I took a class on one time and loved it.  Stained Glass.  I have a work station set up and most of the supplies already.  Within a couple of weeks - I should have everything I need and be on to my first project!!

I also want to purchase my next camera upgrade.  I love photography and I am ready to experiment with what I can do.  Watch out people - woman with a camera on the loose! LOL

Finally - through all of my ramblings here - I am here to say that I hope you have identified your passion.  If not, I challenge you to find it.  As was mentioned in that interview today - start by TRYING something.  If it's not for you, that's okay....move on to something else.  Continue until you find what really gives you the satisfaction and enthusiasm that you deserve in your life!

Take care...

Simply Random Thoughts - 'Cause It's Been a LONG Week!!

Arnold & Maria.....what a shame.  Truly.  Arnold? Scum.  Ex-Housekeeper/Baby Momma? Disappointing to women-kind.  WHY do women do each other that way?  We all know that we don't want to be dumped on by our men....so WHY-OH-WHY participate in helping one do it to another woman!?!?!?  And are women so stupid as to believe that just because the guy is cheating on his wife - doesn't mean he will do it to them too?  If that is the type of person he is - he will.  Face it....there will always be 'someone better' sometime down the road.

There's a coworker....seems he thinks he is 'all that'.  He's arrogant.  He's a gossiper.  He doesn't like working with women and especially not FOR women.  And what is amazing is that he is a fairly intelligent man - he could go far and be successful.....if he actually put forth a little effort.  But instead, he chooses to spread negativity all around and he THINKS he is manipulating things to go his way....when in reality he looks like a fool. He tries to pretend to be innocent when called on the mat for his actions.......but everyone knows the truth.  To me, that's a very sad and insecure individual who finds a need to be that way.


Read a book recently - may have mentioned it before.....but it's still on my mind.  Book ="Diary of a Mad Fat Girl"  Author is Stephanie McAfee - check her out - she has a blog here on WP.  The book is GREAT if you need a good laugh!  Can't wait for the next book, for sure!

Teens....can someone explain them to me!?!?!?  I have a wonderful daughter.  Have never had much trouble out of her - she's been a handful many times, but I think that because she and I have always been close and maintained open communication....overall, things have gone well.  We never experienced the 'stuff' that other people always talk about - the terrible two's, the trying high school years....  BUT, she's been out of school for a year now - will be 19 in a couple of months and all of a sudden I don't know her.

It breaks my heart.  She's hard to recognize anymore....she is rude, disrespectful and angry all of the time!  She seems mad at the world....and no one seems to know why.  I can't open my mouth that I'm not getting yelled at or accused of off-the-wall things.  I've tried gently suggesting that she seek counseling....to learn how to work through all of these emotions she seems to be going through.  She says she has an appointment in a couple of weeks - I hope she keeps it and will be in a better place soon.

Awesome quote: “Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.” Unknown

What Drives You?

I've read LOADS of things about quality of life, pursuing your dreams, etc.  It is very inspiring.  But my problem is that I don't know where my heart is.  Not really.

I always wonder why I don't know.  I consider myself a pretty self-confident person.  I have strong morals.  I'm committed.  But why don't I know what I really, really want for my life?  Is it because of my upbringing? Fear? Am I simply a lazy bum?

My parents have always been committed, driven people.  They never gave up.  They were hard workers.  And as far as I know....they've been happy and satisfied with their lives.  Now my mom was a perfectionist for most of my youth - and so of course, I picked up that trait.  I couldn't take getting low grades or messing up.  I have to admit as an adult I look back and see that the pressure was too much.  But at the time, it was simply life.

As mentioned in previous posts, we moved around a lot.  Again, I didn't realize it at the time - but I can look back now and think that maybe I never really got attached to people because of that.  Don't get me wrong - I always had friends and was well-liked.  But when it was time to move - we moved.  And I was on to the new friends.  There were only about 4 or 5 that I attempted to keep in touch with after we left town.  So, could that be part of the reason why I have not been able to identify any one thing that I truly have a strong desire to do?


There are many, many things that I enjoy doing.  There are many others things I often think I'd like to do.  But nothing stands out enough for me to pursue it full-time.  That bugs the heck outta me.

Whatever the reason for my lack of knowledge or insight....I am going to start praying for guidance.  I want to ask God what He would have me to do.  I need a purpose in my life now that I am 'starting over' again.

Will keep you posted...

What Are We Doing to Our Young!?!?

I don't understand.  I try.  And I'm SURE it's not because I'm getting old or I'm such a fuddy-duddy.  It's not because I lack intelligence....because I am known for being smarter than the average bear!

But I heard on the news this morning about a mother who is injecting her own 8 year old daughter with Botox!  I can't believe that our society is still so stupid.  Sorry - I know that's not a nice thing to say - but this upsets me - greatly.

I remember the day in 1996 when little Jon Benet Ramsey was murdered.  And I remember when the media was flashing all of that little girls' pageant pics every where.  I was appalled back then at how 'grown up' those people thought the girls in the pageants needed to be.  And here it is again.  This little 8 year old tells her mom that she sees wrinkles (which even the folks on the morning show I was watching believe them to be DIMPLES not wrinkles) on her little face.  So mommy goes out and purchases Botox (from an undisclosed source) and she injects dear pageant princess on a regular basis.  They've also tried waxing her little legs.  Why? Says the anchorwoman.  'Because I don't feel that it is very lady-like to have hair on your legs' says the little girl.  Good news - because of the pain....girl has decided not to do that again.

When they asked the mom about why in the world she would do such a thing.  Mom says 'Other moms in the pageant do it too - we aren't the only ones.  And if you want to be competitive you have to keep up.'

What kills me is that this is what the moms always say.  Or when asked about pushing their child into such pageants you hear 'it's what my child wants,' or 'she/he likes doing it'.  Guess what people - OF COURSE A CHILD IS GOING TO GO ALONG WITH WHAT THE PARENT WANTS.....THEY WANT TO PLEASE YOU!!!!!  And here's another tip - they are too YOUNG to be able to make wise decisions about their lives!!!

People claim that pageants help give children self-confidence.  Really?  What I see is that they teach children to do anything and everything to be like everyone else or better if possible.....and that your worth is completely dependent on you LOOKS.  Sorry folks, but that is not REAL confidence.  God-forbid if someone would be in some sort of accident that disfigured them.....what would they do then?  Go into deep depression or possible kill themselves because they feel they aren't worthy?

I personally believe that beauty pageants should become a thing of the past - and the self-esteem building events should be more about showing our young people how to be comfortable in their own skin/body.  Let's focus on their skills and abilities and not superficial things that fade with time.  Let them show us what's going on in those awesome brains of theirs and praise them for their imaginations and creativity.  Boost them up with POSITIVE things rather than being cut-throat about looks.

Okay....I will now step down from my soapbox.

                  Have a good evening, folks! 

This Journey Is Bumpy....

I've neglected this blog - I know.  I think it is two-fold.  Life got hectic and I kinda forgot about it.  And, life got hectic (repeat intended).  But I'm back and ready to move on.

First of all, I've been working through the pain.  And the anger.  And everything else that goes along with being betrayed by the one you love.  The one you thought you would spend your life with.  The one you trusted to always be there.

During this process - and from the very beginning when he walked out on us, actually - we have not told many people about it.  At first I thought we were in agreement as to the reasons why - but I can now say that we had totally different reasons for  this arrangement.  I was trying to remain 'professional' because we work at the same place - and expected to be leaders in the organization.  And of course, I am always concerned for the ripple-effect to the kids.  Even our young son...eventually he will see and hear things.

But, it seems his motives were not the same.  I say this because he couldn't control himself - acting like a child - he had to post things on a social networking site that many of our friends, family and coworkers also use. These things? His girlfriend started connecting to my friends and posting pics of each other separately and together....and they both declared their love for each other and the countdown until their next encounter (remember, she doesn't live in this country).

All I know to do is make sure that I keep my emotions in check and pray, pray, pray.  Our divorce will be final by mid-summer and he will be moving on in his relationship with her.  I have no intentions of getting into that again, thank you very much.  I will focus on my relationship with God - whom I am starting to see I should have depended on MUCH more than I have throughout my life!  You see.....for as strong as I've always considered myself.....and as much as I have always 'believed' in God.....I am starting to figure out that I tend to depend on the men in my life to make me happy and to feel secure instead of God first.

So, here we go on this 'self-discovery' journey.  And this journey where God is having to thump me on the head a time or two in order for me to wake up! LOL

Besides the marriage/divorce drama there really are other things going on in my life these days.  My daughter is 'officially' engaged.  Am I happy about this? Um......not exactly.  Don't get me wrong, her beau is a great young man and I couldn't ask for a better one to be dating my daughter.  BUT - I wish they would wait a little longer.  Granted, they don't plan to marry for 2 more years - which is good, for sure.....but I wish they would wait even longer. But that's a mom for ya - right!? :-D


So far, they have the location picked out, the dress is being paid for, the engagement ring has been purchased and presented, the colors and the hairstyle has already been selected.  Um....does anyone other than me see this thing happening BEFORE the 2 year mark?????  Ahhhhhh...............young love!  Dear Father, please bless these two young people as they journey together in life.  May their relationship be a lasting and loving one!

We had a recent scare with my dad.  He is in his early 70's and tend to try to self-doctor/medicate himself.  Unfortunately he waited a little too long before seeking professional medical care for a spot on his ear.  It was diagnosed as a type of skin cancer that if left unattended long enough can get into the lymph system.  So we waited for the test results and prayed.  Thankfully, it had not gotten that bad.  However, they had to do Mohs' surgery on it and remove about a third of his ear.

Work is pretty much the same.  There are always those who have no other pleasure in their lives other than to see how miserable they can try to make others.  Or how they can destroy a coworkers livelihood.  I am always puzzled by these type of folks.  I simply can't imagine doing that to another human being - no matter how much I may dislike them.  And why in the world would you want to spend your entire day being ugly and hateful and mean?

A classmate of mine passed away recently.  It definitely makes you take a closer look at your life.  At your relationships.  Evidently it has had that effect on my other classmates.  We are all connecting on a social network and keeping each other up to date on our lives.  It's been nice.  Also makes you feel kind of.....old.  I definitely don't care to go back to my high school years....but my mid to late twenties would be okay! LOL

Okay....so now you are up to speed and I am current on this blog.  Stay tuned for more to come.....I promise to add more interesting articles and maybe a few write ups from my friends!  See ya.....