Guilty

I'm feeling guilty.  I love to participate in blog hops, but when someone follows  me, I feel that I have to reciprocate and follow back.  That means getting even more behind in my blog reading.  That means neglecting house chores.  And, if I do house chores, I feel guilty because I'm not reading posts, or writing my own posts.  I need to remind myself why I started writing a blog.  
So, when I started my blog, did I care how many people were following?  (The answer is 'no'.)  I couldn't (and still can't) believe how many great blogs there are to read out there.  Some of you guys are terrific writers, and I'm very, very envious.  Me?  I hope that when you read my posts you feel like you're talking to a friend. Maybe your best friend, or your sister ('cause if you know anything about me, you know that I don't have friends, I have sisters!).
How many of y'all  have met people in real life that you've "met" through blogging?  I may have an opportunity to meet a terrific lady that I've been reading since I discovered blogs, but,to tell you the truth, I'm a  little anxious about it.  What if we don't have anything to say once we actually meet? (I really don't foresee this happening, though)  Then there's a fairly new blogging friend who lives across the county. We've been at the same place at the same time, and we've known we'd be there, but haven't actually met yet. How weird is that?  We just can't seem to get it together. 
Okay, now be honest:  How many of you talk about people you read in your real-life everyday conversation?  I find myself being careful when I talk about something I've read.  I don't want to seem like a weirdo or a person without a  life, so I'll say things like "I read somewhere...", or "Somebody said..."  Then I feel a little guilty because I feel like I've let somebody down by not giving them the proper credit.  
I'm just a guilt-ridden woman.  Must be the ol' Catholic Guilt thing.  Speaking of which, I feel guilty not posting about my faith enough.  The only explanation I have for all of this guilt is hormones.  Or lack of. 
Now, to top all of the blogging guilt, MS called last night. His rugby team is having a family reception at one of the coaches' houses.  On Friday night.  When there's a home football game.  When the band boosters take care of the concessions.  Did I mention it's Fall Break for them so we're already going to be short-handed?  He said he wants one of us to be there, and CH runs the chains, so guess who it's going to be?  (Breathe, Mary, Breathe)  I can do this:  I can leave work, go the high school, get the condiment table ready, wrap some hamburgers, then go to the reception.  I may even be able to make it back to the game when it's over to help clean up.  Maybe.  But not likely.  This is a good thing, yet a bad thing about MS going to school so close to home.
Back to blogging guilt:  CH asked me to get him some waterDid I?  Uh, no.  I was too busy writing this post, and kinda forgot about it.  (Yes, I realize this post is all over the place, but I will not feel guilty about it!)
And now I'm going to go to bed, 'cause this guilt thing has worn. me. out!

Random Dozen


Linda's friends helped her out with the questions this week.  They did an awesome job!  


1. Do you believe, somewhere deep inside, that blondes do indeed have more fun? That they are "dumber" than brunettes or redheads? Be honest!
You know, about the fun:  I honestly do.  Even the bleached/dyed blondes.  As far as being "dumber":  I've known some pretty smart blondes.

2. Which animal would you most like to observe in its wild habitat?
Polar Bears.  Ever since the last Winter Olympics had a clip on Churchill, Manitoba, I've wanted to go there.  That would just be the most awesome  sight!  My second choice would be giraffes...LOVE giraffes!  But, oddly enough, I don't have any desire to go to Africa.


3. This week the U.N. announced that Dr. Mazlan Othman has been appointed the official "Alien Ambassador," should any extraterrestrials contact us. Have you, or has anyone you know, ever seen a UFO?
Seriously?  Linda:  what were y'all drinking when you came up with these questions?  I think it's pretty pitiful that someone is actually getting paid for that.

4. Name your favorite Hitchcock film.
The only one I've seen is "The Birds", and it was hysterical.  CH & I watched it in the 80's or 90's.  It was funny to watch it and see how far the movie world has come in making things look believable.

5. Would you rather spend time at the library, the mall, a craft store or home?
Home.  There's no place like home!

6. Which Disney princess is your favorite? (Or Disney character, if you are a guy)
Belle.

7. What kind of art is your favorite?
I like local art; pictures that are painted of the local landscape.

8. How do you feel about viral videos, that is, videos made by amateurs that end up on Youtube receiving thousands of hits?
I don't like gross videos, but give me a funny one anytime!  This one is one of my all time favorites:

9. Where do you buy your jeans?
I buy jeans where ever I can find the ones I like.  Give me a pair of Lees and I'm good to go!

10. Tell me about your first automobile accident.
I had my license for about a month.  After I finished my tennis match,  I drove up to one of the county high school's tennis courts to see how the boys' tennis team from school was during.  I was driving home, and was in front of a furniture store.  The lanes were a little narrow, and I decided to change lanes.  I looked several times and didn't see anybody, so I switched lanes only to run into a big black van.  It took me a few seconds to figure out what had happened, and I think I even said "What happened" out loud a few times.  I just remember people driving by and looking, but nobody stopping.  The police officer that worked the accident was extremely nice to me:  he got my bumper out from under the lady's, and didn't give me a ticket since there was no damage to her car.  He did fuss at her for not doing what he was telling her to do:  at one point he told her that if she didn't move her steering wheel the way he was telling her to, she would cause damage to her van.  I called my Daddy, and he came and got me.  There was no way I was going to drive home; it shook me up very badly!

11. Have you ever been honest when you knew you would benefit more if you would be dishonest?
Oh, sure.  I'm a horrible liar...I just can't do it.

12. If you were appointed "Ambassador to Aliens," what would you show and tell first about life on Earth? What would be the most difficult thing to explain?
Let's do the most difficult thing first:  idiots.
My first show & tell would be the family unit.

Okay, very interesting questions this week!  Wanna play?  Go over to Linda's at 2nd Cup of Coffee and play along by answering the questions and linking up.

Sisters' Weekend Recap

Have I mentioned how much I love my sisters?  They are the most fun I could ever have with a group of women.  We had the best time this weekend:  there were no arguments at all.  Here's how the weekend went:

Friday:  We got to the condo, unpacked, and went to WalMart for groceries.  Then, we went to the Apple Barn Shops to shop.  We usually go on Sunday after we eat breakfast, but by then we're usually tired so we don't get the full shopping experience.  They have a wonderful Christmas Shop that has the neatest ornaments you could imagine.  So, after that, we went back to the condo and enjoyed each others' company.  Two of my sisters made dinner (fresh apple pie from the Apple Barn for dessert...YUM!), then we watched "Valentine's Day". 

Saturday morning:  Breakfast, coffee, and enjoying some early morning views:
Then we hit the stores.  Most of us just go our separate ways, but usually end up in the same store.  It's a blast seeing what everybody bought, and how similar our tastes are.  Here we are at the end of the 1st shopping excursion:

 Waiting for the last person to get to the car:
 Photo op  while we were waiting:
 Yeah, we got kinda bored!
 Some of 'em couldn't wait until we got back to the condo to see the purchases.

 Y'all have heard the expression "When pigs fly", right?

After the 1st excursion, we went to a strip mall that has Books-A-Million and some other stores, but we had to eat lunch firstAnd, the UT ballgame  was on, so we just happened to pick a place that had about a million tvs.
I do think that we got a few looks:  2 tables of women who are cheering (and a little bit of yelling...only a little bit...we were in public, you know!) for the Big Orange.  But, we had to leave the game...more shopping was in order.  Then, we headed back to the condo. One of my sisters plans and cooks an amazing meal for us for Saturday night.  And, one of my sisters-in-law and myself pretend to help.  There was more football watching, although one of my sisters must've been adopted...she doesn't care to watch football games. (I'm not sure what my other sister was doing in the picture.  I think this was after the UT game was over.)

 And, I know for sure these were taken after the UT game:

 Has anybody ever heard of this wine?  It's pretty cheap inexpensive, but  it was actually pretty good.
 The corks have different sayings.  This was the cork in the bottle:
 And the back of the bottle.
 $7 well spent, no?  
Here's the table Saturday night:  Ratatouille, salad,and Polenta.  Very good!
 My contribution to the dinner:  Easy Tiramisu:
 We had to make some modifications.  We couldn't find Lady Fingers at the Wally World, so we used pound cake instead.  And,since I had enjoyed the Mad Housewife, I didn't read the recipe the whole way through so we didn't have some pound cake for the top.  Crushed Pepperidge Farm Pirouettes drizzled with Kahlua worked out very well!
Then, after our food settled, some were brave enough to play a game.  It was Bananarama or something like that.  One of my SILs & I sat on the couch watching a football game; we kept hearing "Dump" & "Peel".  Whatever.  And apparently it took my mom a while to get the hang of it, and apparently my sister sitting next to my mom (in the dark shirt) is a genius at getting away with stuff, because I also kept hearing,  "How do you only have a few when we have a bunch?"  Ummm, yeah.  If I can't win, I don't want to play!

We were able to talk to our little 17 month old grand-niece (who lives in Arizona) for the first time through Skype.  What a cutie!  Each one of us got to talk to her for a couple of minutes, but by the time the last one or 2 had their turn, she was pretty much over it!  And, since one of my sisters and one of my SILs have the same first name, I'm sure she was really, really confused!  Welcome to the family!
 Sunday morning:  Time to pack up.  This is always a sad time,  but I think if we spent anymore time together, claws would've come out!  (ha, ha!)  My SIL (in the green shirt with her back to the camera) is the bomb at packing a car.
 Here's my "little" SIL in her cute little bug, waiting for us to go eat breakfast.
 We were pretty glad it waited until Sunday morning to rain!
 Van's all packed up!  She just had to hold some stuff in while she shut the door!
 We ate breakfast at our traditional place:
And we even got "our table"!

I have a confession about this next picture. This was actually the 4th take on the picture.  I didn't like myself in the first one, in the second one mom was talking, in the third one my sister had her lips pursed, and this is the 4th one.  When my mom saw it, she told me I had my mouth open.  My response:  "My mouth is always open!"  So, here you have it!

We had such an awesome weekend this year.  And, Monday morning it was back to reality. The good thing:  this year it's time for us to be with our family for Thanksgiving, so most of us will be together in a few weeks.  That will be a whole different gripe post in a few weeks...I hosted the big Thanksgiving 2 years ago, and, like a dummy, offered to do  it again.  The good thing is that I have wonderful sisters who come early and help set up (so, if you're reading this, it's expected again this year!).  But that's for another day and another post!
Hope everyone's weekend was at least half as wonderful as mine!



Must be Monday


It's time for "Meet Me on Monday", so it must be the start of a new week!  Here are this week's prompts:

1.  How many TV’s do you have in your home?
6 right now.  We're big tv watchers!
2.  What is on your bedside table (nightstand)?
Right now:  a bottle of water, lamp, and a clock.
3.  How many pair of shoes do you own?
I have no idea, and I'm not going to take the time to go count them!  Under 20, though.  When you have "peasant feet", you can't be into shoes that much!
4.  Can you change a flat tire?
I've never done it, but it's not rocket science.  I'm sure if  I could figure out the jack I could change one.
5.  Do you prefer sweet treats or salty treats?
Sweet, definitely.  I have the biggest sweet tooth in the world!

Go to Java's and link up to see how everybody else answered!

First Fall FFF

Here are the FFF of the week:

1.  Finding this in a grocery store that I don't frequent very often:
We toured the brewery when we were in Copenhagen last year.  It didn't taste as good as the ones we had in Denmark, but it still was pretty good!

2A quiet weekend....just CH & me.  The high school had an away game that was 1 1/2 hours away.  We opted to stay home.  On Saturday YS went to Oktoberfest with the German Class.  The funny thing is that he doesn't take German.  He asked the teacher if he could tag along, and there was room for him to go.  My boys are definitely not shy!

3. 
MS' Rugby Team won the SEC 7 on 7 Championship on Saturday.  He was so excited!  Even though I know nothing about Rugby, I can't wait to watch a match!

4.  YS' 16th birthday.  I can't believe it's been 16 years since we were blessed with such a wonderful surprise!  All 10 pounds, 22 inches of him.  And, I had him naturally (although not by choice!).

Then:
And now:


5.  The beginning of our "Sisters' Weekend".  Every year my mom, sisters, and sisters-in-law get away for a weekend of togetherness.  We eat too much, drink too much, laugh, shop, and sometimes there may be an argument or two!   A movie may be watched, and usually there's a football game on the tv on Saturday.  I love, love, LOVE my sisters!  This year there will be 8 of us.  Don't worry, there will be an update next week!

Don't forget Follow Friday 40 and Over!



Falling into RD



Linda did a really good job with the questions this week, especially since she "gave" her original questions to her daughter and had to come up with new ones!  Here are this week's questions:

1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything? (I just came from my dad's ceremony wherein he was given a medal of honor by the French government for service in France in WWII. Pictures to follow.)
My father-in-law was awarded the Order of St. Michael.  According to AAAA:  "the Order of Saint Michael recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army Aviation in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates, and peers. These individuals must also demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and moral character, display an outstanding degree of professional competence, and serve the United States Army Aviation or civilian aviation community with distinction."  Very proud of you, Pop!
My maternal mother-in-law was honored with a papal award for lay persons for outstanding charity work.  I'm not sure what it was called; maybe the Order of St. Gregory?  

2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?
My husband went to USMA for a year to play football  (but he hurt his knee) and then went into the National Guard until right after YS was born. 

3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you.
Seeing the flag and hearing the National Anthem being played.

4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your "placement" made a difference in your personality?
I'm #8 out of 10, the youngest girl.  Comparing myself to my older siblings, I would say my placement definitely made a difference in my personality.  I'm pretty much a "go with the flow", peacemaker, don't rock the boat kind of person.

5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.
Compassion.  Nothing else needs to be said about that.

6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo?
I've always preferred wearing pants.  They're just so much more comfortable!  

7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?
Once.  I usually go right back to sleep, unless CH is sawing some logs.

8. Share a favorite movie quote.
"You're supposed to be the leading lady in your own life, for God's sake! " (Iris in The Holiday.  LOVE that movie; I've probably seen in 50 times, but it never gets old!)

9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?
Pumpkin spice.

10. What is one Fall activity you're looking forward to?
A few years ago, CH, YS, & I went on a hayride around the Cove.  I really would like to do that again.  It was so neat:  we left around dusk; by the time we got back it was dark.  Crisp, cool night, no streetlights, and coyotes in the fields.

11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.
I can't think of any surprise recently. 

12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be? 
I met my future FIL at a McDonald's in Knoxville.  CH was going home to Alabama with his brother & father, so I met them there.
I didn't meet my MIL until a couple of days before we got married.  They were both extremely nice, even though I don't think they were too hyped up on CH getting married to a girl who was 2 years older than him.  I couldn't have asked for better in-laws!

Don't forget to link up at 2nd Cup of Coffee!

The New & the Old

Here we are again:  This week starts the new tv season.  I've waited with great anticipation to see what's going to happen on NCIS.  That show just gets better & better.
I actually think I'm going to watch Dancing With the Stars this season.  I'm going to be really surprised if Jennifer Grey doesn't win, you know, with her dancing background and all.  David Hasselhoff is just creepy now that he's gotten older; Margaret Cho will at least make us laugh, I'm sure.  Michael Bolton & "The Situation":  2 more creepy guys.
The Event:  I'll have to watch just to see what event it is.  I have a feeling it's going to be a bit like "Lost":  I don't think I'll get it.  If you've never seen Castle, it's definitely worth a look.  The only bad thing:  it's on at 10:00 here.  Also worth a look:  Rules of Engagement.  Patrick Warburton's dry sense of humor just cracks me up!
Grey's Anatomy & Private Practice hopefully start back up this week.  I'm in a panic because I can't remember how the season ended last time!  I guess I'm going to have to go back and watch the last episodes online so I don't have to think too much when it comes on! Big Bang Theory has moved to Thursday nights:  If you haven't ever seen this show, it's time to get on board!  (Bazinga!) 

The Apprentice starts back up this season with people who have been hit hard by the recession by losing their jobs.. 
And, on top of all that, Real Housewives of DC is still on, although I'm not real hyped up on this one.  They have a new Real Housewives of Beverly Hills that's suppose to start in a few weeks,  but I'm not sure I'm going to be real thrilled about that one, either.  Kelsey Grammar's ex-wife is one of the cast members, along with Kim Richards.  Kim was a child star who was in Nanny and the Professor  and Escape to Witch Mountain.  One of her sisters is Paris Hilton's mother.  Her other sister will join her on the show as another cast member.  Hmmmm...some actresses on a "reality show".  How much will it be "real"?  RH of Atlanta starts in a couple of weeks:  I have to say that NeNe is my favorite on that show.  Even though she seems to pick fights, when she's getting along with somebody, she seems like she'd be a lot of fun to hang out with.  I'm not sure what's happened to Lisa; they have 2 new housewives in the cast this season, and Lisa was the one with her head on straight.
Sidenote:  I had to laugh during the UT game on Saturday when the quarterback was being talked about.  Turns out his mom could be a Real Housewife of NJ:  he's from the town that some of the Housewives are from or live close to.  Think they'll call her?

So, what show(s) will you be watching this fall?

Paybacks

See, I knew if I had left my original title "Tagged again", there may be some people who wouldn't read the post due to being a tad bit afraid that I may have tagged them, then they would feel obligated to keep the tag going!

Tina tagged me Saturday.  I have to answer 8 questions then tag eight bloggers with 8 new questions. (I guess it's true what they say about paybacks!)   Here are the questions/answers:

1. What would you say was your best age?
I don't know that I can pick one certain age, but definitely the college years, specifically my freshman and senior years.  My freshman year because I was so carefree and was having the time of my life.  My senior year because that's the year I really started getting serious about growing up:  I met CH at the beginning of that year and started to see "life after college".

2. Do you read the Bible?
I read it from time to time, but not as often as I should, for sure.

3. Who is your favorite Biblical character?
Mary.  Although I have a hard time calling her a "character".

4. Who is your favorite author? What book by the author was your favorite?
I have a couple:  James Patterson and Janet Evanovich.  I can't pick one book from either of them, but when they have a new one come out, I've got to read it!

5. Who was your favorite teacher? your least favorite?
My favorite teacher was my Sophmore English & Spanish teacher.  My least favorite would've been my Junior English Teacher.  I had a lot of good teachers in Jr. High, one of whom just happens to be YS' favorite teacher in high school.  He's still really nice looking, and my heart just melts a little when he sees me and gives me a hug!  He's going to retire this year, so I'm glad YS had an opportunity to have been taught by him.

6. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I really, really want to go to Germany/Austria/Switzerland/Lichtenstein (yes, I said "Lichtenstein"!).  I've always dreamed of going there:  the pictures are so incredibly pretty.

7. Do you think today's tv shows are better or worse than the ones you grew up watching? Please explain your answer.
I think they're worse, for the most part.  Especially children's shows.  The lack of modesty really gets to me.

8. What do you like to do most on the weekends?
Fall weekend:  Watch football!  LOVE football season!  I also like to take some impromptu trips to the Cove and just drive around and see the beauty of this area.
Winter weekends:  curl up on the couch with some good movies.
Spring weekends:  Go to the Cove and see the flowers blooming.
Summer weekends:  Ha!  Every day in the summer is a weekend for me!

I know some of you will be wincing when you read this to see if you've been tagged!  If you don't want to play along, it's completely fine! Or, if you want to answer the questions, but don't want to tag 8 more people, that's completely fine, too!
Here are my "tagees":
1.  Just Breathe  (Every time I read "Just Breathe" I hear Faith Hill's song!)
2.  All Things A Ro
3.  Family Team
4.  Never Growing Old
5.  Reasons for Chocolate
6.  Mi Chiamo Candace
7.  Down in my Little Valley
8.  Easy Street

Here are the questions:

1.  Did you play a sport in high school?  If so, which one(s)?
2.  If you watch Food Network, what is your favorite show and who is your favorite personality on the network?
3.  What is the job around the house that you dislike the most?
4.  Name one person or defining moment in your life that made you who you are today.
5. Who/what do you look toward for you inspiration?
6.  Are you one of those women who insists on wearing makeup before you step foot out of the house?
7.  What is the one item of makeup that you never do without?
8.  What is your favorite story in the Bible?

Okay, you lucky 8:  Answer the questions, then tag 8 new people and don't forget to ask 8 new questions!

FFF is Back!



I haven't participated in FFF lately, so I thought I'd get with it this week!  Here are this week's FFF:

1.  High school football games.  It's like a school reunion on Friday nights.  Seriously.  As I was walking to the restroom, I heard my name.  I looked around, and saw 2 ladies that were in one of my brother's class.  I hadn't seem them in a long, long time.  I also saw a few of my classmates.

2.  The 1st half of the UT game.  Only the first half.  The score at halftime:  13-13.  The score at the end of the game:  48-13.  I think they have a lot of work to do.  Florida is coming to town on Saturday.  Let's hope they can string 4 good quarters together.

3.  MS going to school close by.  He and a few of his new friends came by on Tuesday night for about an hour.  If he lived farther away, I wouldn't have a chance to meet his friends or have him come by expectantly.  (Sorry, AuburnChick... I'm not rubbing it in!) It's nice to know that he has chosen friends who appear to be good people and have their heads on straight.

4.  An intern who knows what she's doing.  Yep, I have another intern this semester.  I'm convinced that having grad students as interns is completely different than having undergrad students.  

5.  A new blog to read:  Jeannie's Happy World.  Jeannie is an army wife who just moved to Italy.  She has just started some new Thursday posts:  Queen Lessons.  Intrigued?  You should be!  I can't wait to become the queen I know I can be!  It's not too late to get started:  she just posted  an introduction today. My friend Karen blogged about the Queen Lessons, and I hopped on the train!


And, a "bonus" favorite of the week.  This is a commercial that I saw on Saturday.  Love it!


Don't forget Follow Friday 40 and Over!








One Millionth Random Dozen


Linda said she was just kidding about this being the millionth RD, it just felt like it!  She does such a great job at thinking of questions every week, I'm sure it does feel like it's at least the millionth time! Want to participate?  Answer the questions on your blog then go and visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee and link up.  Then, go visit and see how other people answered the questions!

1. Do you do garage sales? If so, tell me about one great find. If not, tell me why not.
I don't much get into garage sales. Why?  Because I feel bad going to one and not buying something, so I usually end up with things that I don't need.

2. Name the last thing you fixed.
Fixed?  As in cooked?  CH is accusing me of not cooking much.  It is harder to cook now that there's just 3 of us at home.  I don't think I remember how to cook for just a couple of people!
Oh, the answer:  Honestly?  I can't remember.  Next question.

3. Name your A) Favorite item of makeup OR B) Favorite tool
I don't wear a lot of makeup, but I'd have to say that I love my mascara:  Mary Kay Lash Lengthening Mascara.  It doesn't smudge and it's easy to remove.  But, I'm also loving my new Mary Kay mineral eye color in Black Pearl.

4. Which room in your home needs organizing more than any other?
The rooms in our house are actually pretty organized.  That being said, I have to beat CH to the punch and post this picture:
CH has threatened to take a picture of my desk and post it.  I just can't seem to keep it organized, for some reason.  It may be that I take everything off of the kitchen table when we eat,  and throw it on the desk to get it out of the way.  And, there it stays!

5. Which room could use re-decorating?
Bathroom.  Hands down.  Both of them.




 'Nuff said.

6. Share something unique about your town.
I had to research to see if I could find something unique without getting into high school football.  I'm not sure how unique this is, but the small town is named after a major manufacturer...using it's formal name as an acronym to form the name of our town. 

7. If you could send a one-sentence message to your great-grandchild, what would it be?
Be happy and pray.

8. Do you Facebook?
Somewhat.  I used to be crazy about it, but since I've discovered blogging, I don't use it as much. 

9. Describe your favorite shoes.
Tennis shoes...DUH!

10. Do you listen to more talk radio or more music radio? What kind of station is it?
It depends.  Usually on my drive in I'll listen to talk radio. HHH is my favorite to listen to in the morning:
Love this guy!

11. How far would you travel for a really good (favorite) meal?
To the ends of the earth.  No lie.

12. If you were totally honest with yourself (and us) what should you probably be doing right now instead of blogging? 
Organizing my desk!

WHAT?

I was all ready to write another post and answer questions for Meet Me on Monday, but I saw something yesterday that I had to comment on.  I saw a sign that read:  Patriot Day Celebration.  It was for a church in the next town over.  Did I miss something?  When did we start "celebrating" 9/11?  Is it just me, or should that day be a day for reflecting and mourning, not celebrating? 
I went to the church's website to see if anything was mentioned and this is what it said:

"September 11:  PATRIOT'S DAY BLOCK PARTY  7:00 p.m. until Dark. Inflatables and Free Food!  Multimedia Musical Presentation with the _____ ______ Choir"

Somebody please tell me if I'm over-reacting, but I'm just not getting it.  It seems that before Sept. 11 was declared "Patriot Day", this is exactly what people were afraid would happen.  Sept. 11 shouldn't be a day to celebrate, but a day to remember that awful day that changed "normal" for us.  Not just for Americans, but for people all over  the world.

Kids who weren't born on that day or were too young to remember it need to be educated on what happened.  Not in a horrific, scary way (even though it was), but in a realistic, be ready kind of way.  Their world is different than ours was when we were growing up, for sure.  They do not need to think it's a day of celebrating.


When I was cleaning out my dresser a couple of weeks ago, I came across some potassium iodide tablets that were given out after 9/11.  (When we lived in SC, we lived close to a nuclear plant.)  When I found those, it really took me back;  I had completely forgotten about them.  I had forgotten that in the days following 9/11, I kept a contact case and my glasses in my pocketbook...just in case.  We made sure the boys knew what to do and where we would meet up if there was an emergency.  We had a box for emergencies...just in case.  And now?  We don't have a plan, the school doesn't have a plan, and I honestly have no idea how we would all meet up should there be an emergency.  Yes, we've become complacent in these 9 years since the attack.  Time does heal, and time does help us to forget.  Even when we shouldn't.

So, maybe this church is celebrating that we as a country chose to tighten our security and move on; maybe they're celebrating those people's lives.  Maybe they're choosing to celebrate instead of mourn and reflect.  Maybe they did some of that at the "celebration".  I'm just having a big problem with calling it a "celebration".  Am I overreacting?

9/11 Tribute

This song pretty much says it all.  I know I will never forget where I was or what I was doing that day.  May we never forget that awful day, and may God have mercy on us all.

Driving to Work

I just have to bore you share with you pictures of my drive to work yesterday morning. I never, ever get tired of seeing views like this during my drive:
Gorgeous, no?  And these were taken from my cell phone.  Just imagine if I had a "big girl camera"!



Don't forget to link up with Java at Never Growing Old to meet up with some friends!

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