I feel naked when…

My toenails aren’t painted. Doesn’t even have to be fresh polish but I just like having my toenails painted. My toes had been plain for a while now but I finally got them painted a pretty shade of pink.

Also, I’m not a fan of when I forget to bring my cell phone with me somewhere.

Some exciting news: PA friends Matt and his wife Amanda just announced that they are expecting and due in March. We saw both if them (seperately) last night and she’s feeling some mornig sickness and he’s just plain giddy. I already know some of the baby shower present will come in camoflauge in honor of everyone (except me…) being big into hunting.

Anyway that’s the story for tonight. Hope everything is well in your world.

Hard times

JDs grandma died February 11, 2009. Yesterday, 5 months to the day later, his grandpa passed away.

I believe they are together now. That neither of them are in pain. That they are strong again That he can once again stand tall. That she is working in her yard.

I only knew them for a short time. I wish I had known them when they were stronger. I’m happy I got to know them at all.

Now I do my best to support JD when I’m not entirely certain what he most needs.

Warning, Rant

I hate when people use the term “the help” in a condescending way. Even more so when it’s used that way about someone I care about.

For one thing we all answer to someone. Even CEOs and Presidents answer to stock holders and boards and citizens. No one is truly free if having a boss.

JD and his brother have been doing a landscaping job for a little extra cash. The woman they are working for has multiple GROWN children at home. With their spouses. Tonight JD and brother finish the job after considerable reworks by the woman. Brother goes to the door to let them know and get the final check. Son or son-in-law makes a comment that they do t want to talk to the help. Brother can hear this. Oh and the woman left for the evening and they can’t pay them for the work right now.

I am so miffed at them.

JD and brother worked heir asses off for this woman, she knows they’re going to finish tonight so she leaves.

She had them redo work they did weeks ago and approved at the time. All on the night they’re supposed to finish.

Her kids are ignorant. And unemployed. And married but living off mom.

JD and brother are smart, college graduates who work their butts off to do a good job.

Lady. Your kids actions mean your next bid won’t be so good. I promise.

Iran.

But I hope that the world understands that this is not something that has to do with the outside world.
President Barack Obama here, referring to the current Iranian conflict.

Just like our election “only” affected our country? My butt. The things that happen in this country impact the world. The things that happen in other countries impact the world as well.

Does BO also feel that Rowandan genocide, WWI and WWII, the Balkan conflicts, the situation in Sudan, I could go on and on, but are these all things that have nothing to do with the outside world?

I know this uprising of Iranian people started with their election, but doesn’t everything start somewhere? When does it reach a point where you’re finally willing to take a stand? I know there are plenty of problems right here at home, and that our troops are stretched around the world, but at this point, I’m not even looking for action, I’m not sure what the action would need to be. But I’d like to see our president take a stand, instead of standing on the fence waiting for something to happen, a winner to be declared so he can then say “well I knew this is how things would turn out, so I always supported  [insert winning party here]. Newsflash, you can’t say that if you’ve supported no one. Just sayin.

Iranians are finding their voices, I support them in that. All it takes is one voice, that becomes a hundred and then a thousand, unless the voice is silenced. My prayer is that the voices of every day Iranians grows, that while some may be silenced, that many more become vocal until the democratic process becomes a reality instead of something their leaders pay lipservice to.

Take care of the rocks first

This is old. I didn’t write it, but if I had any clue, I’d gladly give credit. But I thought I’d share it as a reminder to us all.

—

A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about 2″ in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous — yes. The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and proceeded to pour their entire contents into the jar — effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your spouse, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your husband or wife out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.”

“Take care of the rocks first — the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.” One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of beers.”