Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year to everyone...who ever you are...where ever you are...may this year be the best year ever, and just the beginning of a wonderful 'rest of your life'!

Be Happy!!

Dangling my feet from a dime...

I'm in a melancholy mood today...I've felt it trying to grab me for a while now. This poem has been in my head since yesterday. So...here it is. This too shall pass.

A Million Tears

Silent teardrops
Flood my soul…
For those departed
Long ago…

Some I held
In warm embrace…
Bestowing kisses
On each face.

Some…
I only longed to hold.
To love and shelter…
From the cold.

Death came swiftly
Stealing them…
That deep, dark presence
On the wind.

It whispers
These are mine…
Now we seek
But cannot find.

Voices lost
In swirling years
In vain…
We shed a million tears.

Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved

Backward Glance...

As I look back over 2006…I realize how anxious I am to see it become a part of the distant past. This year…as a whole…has been one of the worst on record, for us. Notice that I said “one” of the worst…there were a couple even worse than this. Unfortunately, that doesn’t negate the ‘hideosity’ (I made that up) of this one. Following is a list of just a few of the ‘low lights’ of the year…however, it is in no way an ‘all inclusive’ list;

-Shane’s car was robbed (twice)

-Shane’s home was robbed (quite thoroughly)

-Our truck was robbed

-I spent a night in hospital…and narrowly avoided surgery

-Shane had another hernia repair, and a recurrence of an old heart problem

-Marvin’s job was eliminated…he was unemployed for 11 weeks

-My job was…ended…and I was unemployed for 8 weeks

-We both found new jobs…finally…unfortunately…each of us took a sizable cut in pay

-The homes of both of our kids were damaged by baseball sized hailstones

-Shane was privileged to pay to have his entire house replumbed…after the cable guy broke a pipe…which led to further problems

-Chas discovered that putting starch down her disposal…in mass quantities…is a bad idea

-Marvin discovered that just because the plumbing ‘snake’ isn’t coming out where you think it should…doesn’t mean it isn’t coming out anywhere

-Three weeks before Christmas…we had an $800.00 repair bill on the truck…after making the observation that “we haven’t had a large, unexpected expense in a while” (I won’t say that again)

-I tried off and on for the majority of the year…to have some much needed dental work completed…and due to both stints of unemployment…the inability of the dentist to deaden my mouth (a family trait)…and now, the uncontrollable panic that wells up in me at the thought of going back to the dentist…I have yet to be able to finish it

-Marvin’s mom was rushed to hospital at least twice this year…once for a fall…once for heart irregularities

-My step dad has been at the very brink of death’s door…a couple of times this year…and it looks as though he is headed back that way again

-My step mom…is dying…inch by inch…while we watch…unable to do anything to help her

I realize that in the overall scheme of the world…even this partial list…probably seems petty. To us…it has been miserable.

Many of the things on this list have been resolved…many have not. We have been sustained throughout all of this, by the Grace of God, the prayers of friends…and especially… the love that we share as a family (which I thank God for). The countless times that we have comforted each other…laughed together…cried together…helped each other…prayed for each other…and supported each other…have brought us through the valleys.

It is my fervent hope and prayer…that the coming year…will be a bright one…full of hope, love, laughter, prosperity, good health, and happiness...not just for us...but for everyone!

Take time...to laugh, love, and live!

364 shopping days...

Christmas was wonderful!! I couldn’t have asked for it to be any better! We have some traditions in our family that define Christmas…and this year it took some squeezing of the old time table…but we managed to get them all in! Making candy as a family…before Christmas, Christmas eve together, playing games and laughing, sneaking out to fill stockings and place all of those ‘hidden’ gifts under the tree while everyone sleeps, rising early on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought, then Christmas breakfast…are just a few of the things that make Christmas special for us!

I got a mountain of great gifts…and I thank everyone…for everything…but the greatest gift of all…was being together! Everyone under one roof for Christmas eve…waking up together…is a very special part of all of it for me! I treasure all of these things more than I can describe with mere words…and I am so very thankful for the love that we share as a family!

I hope your Christmas was fabulous too! Only 364 shopping days…until we get to do it again!!

Be Well!!

You gotta see this...

Copy and paste the following link...it's amazing! Be patient during the intro...it's worth the wait!

http://www.dailymotion.com/visited/search/jerome%20murat/video/xf9oo_jerome-murat

No net...

Tomorrow will be my first attempt at working without a net (my trainer will be out on vacation). I pity them all. The mail is a major event at work, it must be sorted…among over a dozen departments, some opened…SOME NOT OPENED…some date stamped…SOME NOT DATE STAMPED…some logged in…SOME NOT LOGGED IN. The rules are extremely flexible and depend entirely upon the opener knowing individual things about departments and people. Unfortunately…in my zeal to “get the mail done quickly”…today I opened three pieces of “CONFIDENTIAL” mail. Not a happy thing. I am terrified that I will make an error (out of ignorance) that will cause someone to lose their utility service…or not to get it in the first place. Or that I will make an incorrect entry and it will appear that someone who HAS paid their court fine…has not.

In the final analysis…all I can do is my best…I feel like a cat on a hot tin roof!

Be Happy!

Coffeyville...

It’s a dreary Sunday…cloudy, cold, and windy. Hard to believe it is almost Christmas! We went to Coffeyville yesterday to visit my dad and step mom. It was the saddest trip yet. I knew that she was getting worse…but I had no idea how bad she was. There really aren’t words to describe the feelings that we all experienced…and are still experiencing. It is very difficult to see such a lively, vibrant person, reduced to a shadow. As difficult as it was for us…I can’t begin to imagine how painful…emotionally…and how frustrating it was for her. Unable to stand, or even shift positions without assistance…I watched as my dad took care of her every need. They worked together…as one…to move her from the recliner to the wheelchair. She wrapped her arms around his neck, as he wrapped his arms around her, and lifted…telling her softly what their next move would be. He was patient, kind, and so gentle…but in his eyes I saw exhaustion…physical and emotional. As he talked quietly to me…about how she has gone downhill during the past week…his voice quivered almost imperceptibly with fear, worry, and heartbreak.

It has been a long, hard, horrible road for her. She has fought a good fight…better than most of us could. She is undoubtedly, one of the bravest people I have ever known. As we prepare for the inevitable…some human truths become evident. Even though I have known for many months now…that she was terminal…deep inside…I have not accepted it. As long as she was smiling, and walking, and laughing…as long as her outer self belied her inner illness…I have been able to avoid the reality of her mortality. That isn’t possible now. Very soon…we will be without her. Even as I type those words “we will be without her”…I realize that I am still avoiding the stark truth…she will die.

This has been a hard, emotional day. The image of her, so tiny and vulnerable…swallowed up by the enormous recliner, is imbedded firmly in my mind. The hot tears on my cheeks…are confirmation…that my brain and my heart…are now in one accord.

Please keep her, my dad and all of our family in your prayers. I would ask a special prayer for my husband…who will officiate at her funeral. He is feeling the weight of this responsibility.

That night...

Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The government mandated that all should be counted, in order to be taxed. Joseph and Mary began a long journey to the town of Bethleham to register. Mary, heavy with child, sat atop the donkey, her mind full of thoughts about the miracle of her life.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

Tired, and hungry, the two weary travelers arrived only to find that there was no place for them to sleep. The owner of a local inn…took pity on them and offered them his stable for the night.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

Mary and Joseph gave thanks to God for a warm, dry place to sleep. They snuggled down in the fresh straw, covering themselves with their cloaks. They fell fast asleep, exhausted from the long day behind them.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

Mary woke Joseph, excitement filled her soul as she told him that the baby would be born that night. His soft voice comforted her as she brought forth a son. The Son of God.

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

Mary wrapped her son in swaddling cloths, while Joseph filled the manger with fresh, clean straw. The rest of the night, they held each other and watched as the Savior of mankind slept peacefully.

And then, in a twinkling,
I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

Shepherds traveling in the night, were startled by the appearance of a bright star…as they watched over their sheep. An angel came to them and began to speak…

His eyes-how they twinkled!
his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

The angel told the shepherds not to be afraid. “I am here to bring you good news for all people. This night in Bethlehem a baby has been born. He is the one that will save the world. You will know Him because He will be wrapped in cloths, and will be laying in a manger.”

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

The angel was joined by a choir of angels. “Glory to God, and peace to all people on earth.” they sang. Then…as suddenly as they had appeared…they were gone.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Following the star, the shepherds soon found the stable…and the baby in the manger…just as the angels had said. They fell to their knees and gave thanks to God for this child…who would save even them.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

Christmas Story retold by jschoonover

An old friend...

I received word yesterday that an old friend…had died. Actually…that isn’t true. He did not ‘die’…he drove himself to a local hospital…parked his car in front of it…and blew his brains out. I hadn’t seen him in several years…but he was a friend to my brother and me. I remember him as a warm, fun loving person…a very ‘laid back’ kind of guy…who would give the shirt off his back to anyone who might need it. He never worried about anything really…just accepted life and moved on down the road.

As I pondered the events that precipitated his death…the inequity of life really hit me. He had apparently been in an accident (at work) several years ago, and had injured his back to the point that he was disabled. I don’t know the financial intricacies of his family…but I do know that his wife was employed at a local nursing home, and that they routinely took in foster children. They had no health insurance. A few months ago, he had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance…a 14 mile trip. The charge for that 12 minute ride…was $600.00. That comes to about $50.00 per mile. Being unemployed and uninsured, they were having trouble paying the bill. Apparently, the weight of the debt, and the constant hounding by the hospital, coupled with other financial concerns…was too much.

He parked in front of the hospital, which had been hounding them for the money, wrote them a note, and then shot himself. I’m sure that in some confused way…he felt as though he would be ‘getting even’ with them. Probably not only for hounding him…but for charging such a ridiculous amount of money for the service as well. Unfortunately, they won’t give a crap. Hospitals routinely overcharge for every freaking thing they do/provide…from $50.00 for a Tylenol…to $120.00 for a $10.00 Ace bandage. I understand marking something up…to make a profit and pay the bills…but please. Regardless of his death…they will continue to overcharge…to hound those who can’t pay because they are truly not able to pay…all the while…ripping off the insurance companies of those who are insured…! NOTHING WILL CHANGE.

Meanwhile, his wife, two children, grandchildren…and extended family are left with wounds that will never heal. Not only will they deal with never seeing him, or hearing his voice, or feeling his touch again…but, they will forever wonder if they should have seen the ‘signs’ of his depression. If somehow they did or said something that helped drive him to that last desperate act. They will wonder if they should have, or could have said or done something to keep him alive. They will feel responsible for his death…and the guilt will eat away at them for the rest of their lives. It will affect every aspect of their lives from this point on.

I’m at a loss for words…or even feelings…except supreme sadness for his family. I won’t publish their name here…but I would ask you to pray for them….God knows who they are.

Second day on the job...

It is 58 degrees outside today…with lots of sunshine! I can’t believe it is mid December! While I totally love the warm weather…it isn’t very conducive to Christmas spirit!

I just got home from the second day of my new job. Day one was scary…confusing…and stressful. Day two was fun! I was plunged into several new things…head first! The pace was quick and filled with a multitude of interruptions! Time passed so quickly that it was awesome! I only hope that I remember how to do the things that I ‘learned’ today…tomorrow.

An interesting thing happened just before I left. The mayor called. For just a moment…after she said “Good afternoon! This is Mayor_______”, I froze. I had no idea how to address her. I put her through to her party…then asked the woman who is training me…how to address the Mayor in the future. I was surprised to find out that we are to simply address her by her first name…?! Isn’t that odd?! I’m not sure that I feel comfortable doing that…but I guess I will. When in Rome…!

I have to relate an experience that I had a few days ago…in my job search. Have you ever seen the movie “Mean Girls”? Well, I arrived at an interview…and was told that the woman who was supposed to interview me was out sick…however, the receptionist said that two of her co-workers would see me in her stead. After about 10 minutes…I was called in to a conference room…where I swear to you…I was interviewed by two of the ‘plastics’ from ‘Mean Girls”! While they were not mean to me…I got the distinct impression that they could be! It was hilarious! The job turned out not to be one that I could accept…even if they did call me…it was too temporary…but the interview was interesting! At one point they asked me how I would respond to criticism…for instance…”If you had been doing something a certain way…for a long time…and we told you that it was wrong and we wanted you to do it in a different way! What would you do?” They seemed pleased with my response. Then, they leaned in toward me a bit…as if to confide…and the one with Tammy Faye’s make-up said…”We’ve had a problem in the past with people who just get mad (pause as she rolled her eyes alllll the way back) when you tell them they’re wrong!” The other one bobbed her head up and down…in agreement. I wanted to say “That seems about right!”, instead…I shook my head slightly…and rolled my eyes too. Every time I think about it…I giggle again.

I have a bit of Christmas shopping left to do…so, I’m going to slip on some jeans and hit the mall!! Catch ya on the flip side!

Be Happy!

Jody's Christmas Answers...

Stolen from Shane

Here are my answers to some Christmas questions - what are yours?

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?? Hot Chocolate…followed by Egg Nog …and lots of Lactaid!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wraps them.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White lights on the tree, house, garage, and in the yard

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Sometimes.

5. When do you put your decorations up? As soon as I can get away with it!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Mashed potatoes (with lots of that yummy meat gravy) and stuffing!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Christmas at grandma and grandpa’s…One tree for the people, and always a separate one for the pets, homemade candy, people sleeping everywhere on pallets, eggnog, hot chocolate, a beautiful Christmas table (willow ware china, white porcelain gravy boat, jelly in small crystal bowls, Silverware polished and gleaming), Christmas music in the background (Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Wayne Newton), grandpa’s booming voice and laughter as he ‘played Santa’ passing out gifts, lots of flashbulbs going off, Polaroid pictures drying on the mantel.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? The first Christmas after my parents divorced…dad drove 150 miles, in a snowstorm to see us for a couple of hours (at grandma and grandpa’s house) on Christmas Eve. After he left, I lay awake all night…determined to see Santa. He never showed. It was then that I realized that Santa had delivered our gifts in a broken down, backfiring old Chevy, then drove home in a bizzard to spend Christmas day alone.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Nope!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Different every year! This year…white lights, red and gold balls, red garland, gold tinsel…and lots of ornaments…many with sentimental attachments!

11. Snow, like it or dread it? Love the snow…hate the cold!

12. Can you ice skate? Love to ice skate!

13. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with my family!

14. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Fudge!

15. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Family time on Christmas Eve, then waking in the wee hours of Christmas morning to open gifts!

16. What tops your tree? More lights and garland!

17. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving

18. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I love them all!! My favorite spoof on Christmas music is “Walkin Round In Women’s Underwear”!

19. Candy Canes! yuck or yummy? Yummy! I always thought they should be dipped in chocolate though!

20. Favorite Christmas Movie? It’s a Wonderful Life – Miracle on 34th Street – Elf!

Be Happy!

Christmas Magic...

She smiled in the dark
As she pulled up the quilt,
It was all she could do
Not to let out a squeal!

Aromas of Christmas
Tickled her nose,
The thought of sweet goodies
Curled up her toes!

The fragrance of cinnamon,
and cookies, and fudge…
And bon bons, and candy canes,
All the things that she loved…

The smell was so full,
and so rich…and so good…
In a matter of minutes…
On the landing she stood.

Clutching Hairy Bear
Under one arm…
She crept down the stairs
Intending no harm.

As her foot touched the carpet
She breathed a deep sigh,
She looked down at Hairy
Who looked back with one eye.

“We made it”…she whispered,
Her heart pounding hard…
As she tiptoed to the kitchen
Hairy hanging by his arm!

It was then that she noticed
The mud in the hall…
As she slid straight through it,
Right into the wall!

Struggling to stand,
She grabbed at the tree
A morbid mistake,
For
The
Holy Family…

Next to the fireplace, they stood so serene
In the shelter of the stable
Under the Angels spread wings…
Their sheep, and their goats…
All their nice Holy things.

The tree shuddered and shook,
As she danced all around
Her feet coated with mud
Still… she made not a sound…

Losing her grip
On the tall sturdy pine
She slid headlong
Into the divine…

Joseph maintained
A serious aire…
As he crashed halo first
Into the stair.

Mary and Jesus remaining intact…
Came to rest in the umbrella rack…
The sheep, and the goats, and a camel or two,
Plunged into the fish tank…
The Angel askew.

Her eyes wide with wonder
Her appetite gone…
She thought and she pondered…
Where had she gone wrong??

Just then, from the chimney…
She heard a big Whoosh…
A fat man in red…
Plopped out on his tush!!

Her eyes wide with wonder
At what she could see
She crawled away quickly
Neath’ the half fallen tree.

He turned his head slowly
Surveying the room…
The joy in his eyes
Turned quickly to gloom…

“Oh my…” he said softly,
“What a mess we have here…
Mayhem and mischief,
That looks pretty clear…”

“All I wanted”..she sighed,
“Was something to eat…
Some warm apple pie,
Or candy, or…anything sweet!”

With the raise of his hands,
The room came alive…
He turned and he waved,
Bushy brows lifted high.

A mystical breeze…
Ever so slight,
Tousled her hair…
As all…was made right.

Order restored…
The old man grinned wide,
Walking straight to her…
He took her aside.

“Cookies and candy,
In your stocking will be,
Leave the late night carousing…
Only to me!”

With that he escorted her
Up the stairs, straight away…
As he tucked in the covers,
He had this to say…

Merry Christmas my dear one,
And Yes, it is true…
Christmas is magic…
This magic’s…for you!

Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

I'm an idiot...again...

I've spent the evening agonizing over whether or not to accept a job that I was offered...because the money stinks. In my manic stew...with psycho broth...I did not stop even one time to consider...that last night, and again before the interview this morning...I prayed a very distinct prayer. I asked God to make it absolutely clear to me what to do...should I be offered this job. In fact...my specific verbiage was "If it is Your will, then please let them offer me the job...if it is not...please keep them from offering me the job at all! Please be in complete control God...Don't let them even offer it...if it isn't your will for me!" Then...I went to the interview...and within hours...they offered it to me. I didn't even calm down enough from what my brain was saying...to remember what my heart had requested.

As I was preparing for bed a few minutes ago...the request that I made of God this morning...flashed back to me. I am such an idiot...again. I don't know why I am supposed to take this job...but at least now...I know that I AM supposed to take it!

Be Well!

Blogger block...

It’s been a few days…I just haven’t had the…heart for blog. I have sat down several times, intending to write…but just went blank. It’s been a chaotic few days. But finally, things seem to be leveling out a bit…I hope. During the snowstorm last week, Marvin’s truck quit running…while he was at work downtown. On Friday, it started just long enough to get him up onto the elevated road coming home…and Shane right behind him. After heroic efforts…everything but ‘mouth to mouth’ on the engine…they called a tow truck and had it taken to the shop. By Monday evening, the truck was fixed…although the cost was extremely high…thank heavens for Visa. During the time the truck was down…Marvin finally conceded that my heater was indeed broken (it hasn’t worked properly for two years). The bad news is that we drove around all weekend with no heater…the good news is that it turned out to be a simple problem…and very inexpensive to fix! It is now warm and toasty!

I had an interview today…for a job that won’t pay much…but at least it’s a job. I heard this afternoon that they were already checking my references. We’ll see how that goes…I’m really torn.

Shane’s been very sick for two days, and Marvin is on the verge of illness. ‘Tis’ the season for colds and flu! I hope they heal quickly and the rest of us escape it!

I just reread all of this…I seem to be a bit more melancholy than I thought…I think I will sign off for now and go find some chocolate.

Be Well!

To CJ...

I don’t know whether you will see this or not…but just in case you drop by my blog (and I hope that you do), I just want to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading your blog. A glimpse of daily life in a place so far from my own…different customs, different holidays, even different vernacular…has been so interesting! Most of all, it has taught me how alike people are…no matter where they live! We all have the same concerns…and the same joys…and the same need to express ourselves! Even though I regret not being able to access your blog now, and I will miss sharing a tiny corner of your life, I totally understand the changes that you have made….and I applaud you! You have found a way to continue to write and to use your blog as YOU see fit! It makes me smile to know that they did not keep you down…that you had the spunk, tenacity, and rebel spirit…to triumph! YOU GO GIRL!! I wish you the best always!!

Be Happy!

Do you see...

Do you see snow like this...

Snow fell on the autumn landscape,
white-out
on Monet.

Concealing brilliant hues,
yellow, orange, red, and gold.

Leaving in its wake
a blank canvas,
stark,
sterile,
void of interest.

Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

Or like this...

Geese cut through
Thick, grey winter skies…
A cold wind blows.

Dancing in the downdraft
Glittering fairies on the wind
Cling to everything.

Cloaked in softness…
The desolate landscape
Becomes a wonderland.

Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

Be Happy!

Blog log...

6:30 – Got out of bed and stumbled into the living room where Marvin was already snuggled under a blanket on the couch, watching the news. Made my way to the kitchen, where I debated whether I needed to get warm (coffee) or wake up (diet coke) worse. Warmth won out.

7:00 – Packed a lunch for Marvin so that he wouldn’t have to worry about negotiating the icy streets at noon. Put in two extra pieces of banana bread…just because.

7:15 – Made sure the garage door shut as Marvin pulled out…it has a habit of popping back up if the temp is below freezing. Went back in to find that diet coke.

7:45 – Got in the shower…cascading, hot water is sooooo fabulous!

8:45 – Left to run errands before the weather hits. The wind is blowing, and the temp is cold, but the air is dry. Thick, heavy, grey clouds blanket the sky above me. I watch for deer…hoping that they have the good sense to stay curled up in a nice warm thicket somewhere. I pass a opossum pancake in the road…I blink back tears as my heart breaks for his opossum family in the loss of their loved one…I hate PMS.

9:05 – I picked up printer paper at Office Max…where I was offered a cup of hot coffee by a monotone 20 year old…whose mindless inquiries reminded me of an old ‘B’ movie…in black and white.

9:15 – I went through the drive through at the bank to make a deposit. The girl in the window pronounces my name right…I wonder if she knows my son.

9:20 – I am perusing the food aisles in Dillons while I wait for my prescriptions to be ready. People are subdued…most in a hurry…all on a mission. I call both kids to offer to run errands, pick up groceries for them etc, so that they won’t have to brave the snow packed streets after a long day at work…both decline.

10:10 – I finally leave Dillons after correcting a mix-up over prescriptions and insurance. I am reluctant to let a carry out person help me…the weather has intensified while I have been shopping…and I am sure that by the time they leave work today, every carry out person here will be frozen to the bone. I take my own cart out. Once outside, I regret my decision. Not only is it snowing …the wind is blowing so hard that it is snowing sideways. I open the trunk and reach into the cart for a bag…the trunk blows shut. I turn to reopen the trunk and the cart takes off. I retrieve the cart, hook my foot behind the front wheel, hold the trunk open with my left hand and empty the cart with my right. All the while, my purse is beating the crap out of my side as it flaps in the wind…and my face is covered with a thin coating of watery eye goo, running make-up, and snot…and it is frozen. I wonder if this is what a chemical peel is like.

10:30 – I pull into the garage…unload the trunk, and wait again to be sure that the garage door stays shut.

11:00 – The mailman pulls up to the house next door…I watch out the window, hoping that he drives right on by our box. Nuts….he stopped. I pull on my heavy coat, scarf, gloves, and slip my feet into the shoes that I left by the door…then decide that if I am going back out there…I will make it count. I go back upstairs, pull the trash bag out of the kitchen can, put in a fresh bag and tie the full one shut. As the garage door opens, it moans and groans…I think to myself “Shut up you wiener!” Stepping out into the blizzard I am reminded of the trunk incident…as I fight with the garbage bin.

11:15 – Boogie with Stu (Led Zeppelin) helped make quick work of cutting out another blanket! Rock is awesome!

1:13 – After taking time for a bowl of the nastiest chili soup I’ve had in a while (Campbells Southwest Chili), I finish tying the third blanket! It is still snowing…like the very Dickens (whatever that means). I begin to cut the fourth blanket.

2:32 – Just as I finish tying the fourth blanket, “Old Time Rock and Roll” begins to play…and I pause to feel it. Heavy snow is still coming down, though the flakes are smaller (usually a sign that the end is near). Weather.com shows much more heading toward us…we’ll see...but I think they are wrong.

3:36 – The snow has stopped. I think about going out to measure it…but the wind is still blowing…hard. The high winds have drifted the snowfall enough that I think an accurate measurement will be almost impossible…there are huge areas that are barely covered…while the areas next to those appear to be several inches or more deep. It is beautiful.

Be Happy!

It's been a day...

A dreary, cold Wednesday. Heavy cloud cover, temps in the 30s, and…believe it or not…thunder, lightening, and hail mixed with sleet…off and on all day! Very strange!

I decided not to risk the icy highways unnecessarily today, so I stayed in and had a very productive day!

1 - After almost 2 hours online, I found another position to apply for, so I did that first!
2 – I got out the gift wrapping paraphernalia and wrapped all of the gifts that we have purchased so far…except one…which I will have to find a box for.
3 – I cut out and tied two blankets (to be given as gifts).
4 – I made a loaf of banana bread.

I usually don’t even turn the TV on during the day…I much prefer music. Today, however, I was working with the blankets on the living room floor, so I turned it on. In my estimation…daytime TV is the most pitiful…absolutely pointless thing possible. I flipped through channel after channel…Tyra Banks and an entire audience in their underwear…Megan Mullaly and some guy doing a sorry Tom Cruise imitation (jumping up and down on her couch)…and three different mock court shows, with outrageous people suing each other for stupid things, while manic judges presided…I finally came across an old movie channel and listened to Cary Grant lament being stuck on the island with all those females (Father Goose)…for an hour or so while I worked. It’s sad that a movie older than dirt…is the best thing on.

The forecast has changed during the last few minutes. We were only supposed to get a little sleet today, then cold but dry tomorrow…now they have decided that we will have a ‘significant winter event’ during the night tonight, and throughout tomorrow! Sounds like a good day to finish the last two blankets!!

Be Happy!

Bad boy...bad boy...

I spent the afternoon running errands, trying to beat the cold, wet, blustery weather that is coming tonight! It is so amazing outside today that it seems inconceivable that by midnight, the change will be so drastic! The temperature right now is 70 degrees…the sun is shining, and a warm breeze is blowing…and it is November 28! How weird is that! By this time tomorrow…heavy cloud cover, COLD winds, temps in the 30’s and freezing rain! Holy cow!

I was pulling out of Sonic (on West 21st), watching the traffic fly by at 40-50 mph, bumper to bumper…wondering how there aren’t more accidents…when the guy in front of me decided to shoot across four lanes of traffic. Unfortunately, the girl on the other side of the street had the same thought at the same time! You guessed it…they hit head on! They had neither one had enough time or space to pick up much speed, so they smashed together with a loud metallic bong…each one bounced backwards a few feet…then they sat there staring at each other as though they couldn’t quite process what had just happened. Finally, after several seconds, they both pulled across into Sonic to survey the damage and exchange info. Thankfully…both were driving POS’s.

Do you ever watch people…and imagine what their theme song should be? As I was going into Wal-Mart today, an aging, tattooed man with a long gray pony tail, sat just inside the foyer. He was wearing a Harley T-shirt, and sporting a doo-rag …obviously appraising every female who entered the store…I chuckled as “I’m a Girl Watcher” by the O’Kaysions ran through my head! Once inside…I was passed in the aisle by a guy who strutted for all he was worth, obviously, in his world, he was all of that AND a bag of chips…I wanted to shout… “You’re So Vain” (Carly Simon). Then…as I tried, unsuccessfully, to reach an item on the rack in front of me, a little boy paraded back and forth (between me and the rack). His mother stood by…oblivious to the child as he prevented me from touching the item in question. He was definitely…”Bad To The Bone” (George Thorogood)! And I had to wonder…”What cha gonna do when they come for you…Bad Boy…Bad Boy!”

My mind is weird.

Be Happy!

Aftermath...

It’s over…Thanksgiving has come and gone in a flurry of activity! Here’s a recap –

Thursday – Dinner at Chas’s house! All of the Ark City crew…was invited. We ended up with 11 for the day…not a bad count when you consider how many showed up last year (0)! The meal was spectacular with ‘melt-in-your-mouth turkey’, parmesan garlic smashed potatoes, Stuffing, gravy, and all the trimmings! We ate until we could eat no more, then the men moved to the living room for football on the big screen, and the women gathered around the main table for an afternoon of conversation. As usual, the talk was lively and varied…with lots of laughter! At one point however, my sister made some comments that could not have possibly caught me more off guard…about the past. I have always felt that the three of us were very close growing up…I have always felt a special bond with both of my siblings. However, it seems that she did not feel the same. I now wonder if perhaps my brother shares her lack of those feelings. That could explain a lot these days. I have been saddened in recent months at what seemed to be a lack of any desire (on their part) to stay in contact…to maintain a relationship. I lay awake almost all night on Thursday…her words echoing in my ears. At first I cried…then I replayed the years in my mind…trying to understand how she could not have felt that same connection. Perhaps the closeness that I felt was due to the fact that I was the oldest, the caretaker, and the protector…a little girl playing the part of the mommy. Different people deal with situations in different ways, so perhaps they simply dealt with the ugliness of our childhood by detaching their hearts…while I searched desperately for someone to love and be loved by. I truly don’t know. A part of me hurts deeply…I feel like I have lost something, but I guess it isn’t possible to lose…what you never had. I know that I will continue to consider these things…to try to figure it out…maybe for the rest of my life. One more kick in the gut from the past.

Friday – We celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary on Friday! 33 years, married to the same wonderful man! If I had it to do again…I would do it just the same! We spent the day Christmas shopping, then around 8:00 p.m.; we went out to Botanica and took the holiday light tour…wrapping up the evening at the Hotel in Old Town! It was a wonderful day!

Saturday – More Christmas shopping, then home to unpack, and put up the outdoor Christmas lights! In the evening, we made a Blockbuster run, and picked up The Da Vinci Code (watched it Saturday), and Ice Age, The Meltdown (watched it Sunday). Both movies were very good…Ice Age was hilarious, and Da Vinci Code…was good…but disturbing. I am well grounded in my faith…so to me it was simply a movie…fiction. I shudder to think of the impact that it could have on someone not aware of Biblical truth…someone searching for truth.

Sunday – Church, lunch with the kids, then home to finish those outdoor Christmas lights! By evening, we were both exhausted. We made a late run to return the movies to Blockbuster, then drove through the ‘Lights on the Lake” display at Heartspring. Finally, a hot shower, warm PJ’s, and some IM chat, while Marvin beat me at Deal or No Deal!

28 shopping days until Christmas!

Be Happy!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Just a few of the things I am thankful for…

*My family...the most wonderful husband and children on earth! Their love for me and for each other, and their never-ending tolerance and acceptance of my multitudinous eccentricities... overwhelms me!

*Our faith and salvation…an immeasurable gift.

*Friends…in far away places…caring and sharing…life.

*Prosperity…a warm, dry, clean home…full of love.

*Memories…good ones to warm me…bad ones to warn me. I thank God for both.

*Chocolate…the true angel food.

*Diet Coke…to help alleviate the guilt of the chocolate.

*Sunshine…to warm my skin and lift my spirit.

*Warm breezes...touching my face, tousling my hair, calming my heart.

*Rock and Roll…it really does sooth my soul.

*The written word…it frees my mind.

*Astounding sunrises…which start my day off with joy.

*Amazing sunsets…which give me peace as the darkness comes.

*The Geese…for their beauty and grace.

*Laughter…it really is the best medicine!

Be Happy!

To be or not to be...Politically Correct...

I was recently made aware (by a dear friend), that I have been guilty of being politically incorrect. I confess…I am.

In my estimation…”Politically Correct” has come to mean some very disturbing things. To be “Politically Correct”…is to never offend anyone, anywhere, anytime, in any manner…at any cost. I believe that the cost…is too high. In times past, facts were facts…truth was truth, right was right, and wrong was wrong. Not so anymore. Since the rearing of the ugly head of PC…we have become more concerned with verbiage…than with substance. We spend so much time, considering whether a statement is PC…that we fail to analyze whether the event that we are describing, is moral or ethical, whether it is right or wrong. We have sacrificed too much…in the quest to be known as a “Politically Correct” people. Like so many things…this concept has run amuck.

Lady Justice stands proudly…with her blindfold firmly in place. At her inception…she wore the blindfold…in an effort to convey justice and freedom…without discrimination. Perhaps we should add ear plugs and a gag…and a new meaning to her accoutrements. See no evil…hear no evil…and offend no evil.

I submit to you…that life…is not politically correct. While I do not suggest that we abandon all sensibilities…I do suggest a moratorium on “Political Correctness”…and a return to common sense, honest communication, decency, morality, and ethics.

Be Happy!

U S Airways...

As long as Muslims continue to blow themselves up...we will continue to fear for our own safety when confronted with actions such as the ones preceding the removal of the six Imams from the US Airways flight on Monday. What right thinking person wouldn't? How are we to know when they are simply praying for safety as they travel...and when they are 'cleansing' themselves in preparation for a suicide mission? The rest of the world should not be made to feel guilty, or ignorant...for acts of self preservation...such as ejecting suspicious people from a plane. Perhaps the Muslim community as a whole...is not at fault...but they need to wake up...and look at the state of this world in the light of reality. Are they really surprised that we...non-muslim people are suspicious of people who suscribe to a faith which tells them to kill the infidels...when we ARE the infidels? They have the right to believe what they want to believe...but they need to understand that in doing so...they also agree to accept the consequences of that freedom...just as the rest of us do!

Random thoughts...

I worry about things…it’s in my nature.

I worry that I will die, having left undone…all of those things that I keep putting off. That there will remain behind…dust bunnies under the bed, smudged up windows, and an overflowing junk drawer…and I will be remembered as a slob…whose only real attribute was procrastination.

I worry that I will die, having spent my time cleaning the dust bunnies from under the bed, washing the windows, and sorting out the junk drawer…and I will be remembered as that soulless person…who spent all her time cleaning stuff up…and missing out on life.

I worry that I laugh too much.

I worry that I don’t laugh enough.

I worry that I think too much.

I worry that I don’t think enough.

I worry that I will never find a job that I can find pleasure in doing…and be so inspired by…that I look forward to it everyday.

I worry that I will never see my name on the cover of a book…

I worry that if I do see my name on the cover of a book…it will be a sad, pathetic failure.

I worry that “Life sucks, then we die” may be true.

I worry that…that one person in life…who I strive so hard to please…may never be pleased…but will always ask…where the extra 3 points went…

I worry that…I worry...

It's coming....

'Tis' the season! Christmas is appearing in our house...a few items at a time!


A remote village...











A Wiseman, a shepherd, and travelers











The Angel, shepherd, and wisemen











The Holy Family











Be Happy!

What's a Heaven for....

The day dawned partly cloudy and mild, and has gone downhill from there. Weather wise that is…the day as a whole hasn’t been bad. I sat at the computer, taking online assessment tests for an interview tomorrow…until almost noon. Having finally completed them...I had a bite of lunch (baked potato and peas), then started my daily chores. Shane called from Vegas and we chatted for a bit, then I hit the shower about 1:40. After make-up and hair…I sat back down at the computer and made a somewhat lame attempt at a Christmas card list. As I set up my spreadsheet, Sugar sat on the foot of the bed…her chin resting on the windowsill…looking wistfully out. After only 6 entries…I began to feel guilty…she looked so sad! So, I put on my shoes and we went for a walk!

I must say, the walk was much more enjoyable than the spreadsheet! About 10 minutes into our stroll, the wind picked up and we could feel a bit of moisture in the air…although it wasn’t raining. We did not, however, let the unfortunate weather dampen our spirits…we walked the whole mile! Sugar sniffed every single mailbox, tree trunk, garden, water hydrant, pile of poo, and most of the blades of grass along the way! Although she eyed the honking geese at the pond warily, she made no effort to chase them…which surprised me! Along the route we were greeted by a school girl, who was absolutely taken with Sugar, and we paused to allow her to pet ‘that sweet dog’, we passed a group of city workers, who were putting up Christmas lights in the park, and a little ways in front of us was an older couple, walking a huge black lab. As we rounded the corner (almost home), the sun disappeared entirely, and we picked up the pace a bit…anticipating the warmth of the house!

Dinner is now in the oven, and I am strongly considering unpacking Christmas decorations! I have already set out a new ‘long legged’ Santa, and a couple of decorative gift boxes (adorned with Reindeer)!

Just a note…I am changing my tagline…from “Be Well!” to “Be Happy!”…as a personal admonition to everyone…myself included…to strive each day for every bit of joy possible! Of course…there will be days when we don’t achieve our goal…but…as Browning said “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?” So…keep your eye on the prize…whatever you judge that to be!

Be Happy!

Patriot Guard...

We attended the local Veteran’s Day parade today…an annual event honoring veteran’s of all wars. The parade was short…about 20 minutes…but it was nice. I’m not usually a very patriotic person…I love this country…I just don’t feel the need to wave a flag and shout out my loyalties. At any rate…the past two parades which we have attended have evoked a deep feeling of respect in me…for the Patriot Guard. I've been moved...almost to tears...as they ride by. I’ve been asking myself…why? It hasn’t taken long for the answer to become apparent. I have deep respect for them…because they have the courage of their convictions. They don’t just talk the talk…they go out of their way…to walk the walk. They grew tired of people who abuse the intent of our constitution…and instead of sitting around moaning about it…they acted…and continue to act. They rally together; in defense of those who are being harassed…they put themselves between the bully and his victims! I applaud them…and respect them! If only each one of us…could follow that example…myself included!

Be Well!

What a difference a day makes...

We awoke to a cloudy, dreary, blustery day...but the tree in the front yard continues to evolve! It is breathtaking! This photo doesn't do it justice.

Be Well!

From my desk...

Our baby tree...finally turned red...a bit behind her peers this year! The view from my desk is beautiful!




Be Well!

A Walk In The ...Dark...

My walk last night was a bit hairy. I went alone, and it was dark. I am a coward. Time to begin using the treadmill...for the winter...sigh. I despise daylight savings time...and winter.

My feet moved faster
As I strained to see…
Darkness pressing in
On all sides…an ebony
Weight on my countenance.

Shadowed trees in vague relief
Sinister bushes crouching low
Muffled noises in the night
The wind whispering “Run”
Into my terrified ears.

Heart racing…
Breath ragged and quick
Frustrating fear…one more
Blow to my sagging soul…

Be Well!

Tuesday tirade...

It’s finally here…Election Day! I am definitely interested in the candidates…and I hope all of mine are elected (yes…I can say all of MINE…because I voted)! Moreover…I am anxious to see the mud slinging…the endless political phone messages glutting my answering machine, and the ‘second grade mentality’ commercials…STOP!! If there had been one candidate, whose sole message addressed the issues (as I see them of course)…without any backstabbing, gloating, grandstanding, mudslinging or pontificating…I would have voted for him. Just a simple, “My name is Otis Fudpucker…I am pro life, pro family, pro democracy, pro death penalty, I have a brain, I do possess at least a modicum of common sense, I do not lie, cheat, or steal…and I will stand against those who do.” It would have been a done deal! Enough…thank heavens it’s almost over.

Thanks to the moron whose bright idea it was to ‘fall back’ (daylight savings time), my evening walk is now in total darkness…at 6:00 p.m.! What’s the deal with that? What earthly good does an extra hour of light in the MORNING do anyone? I can certainly drive to work in the dark…and I would rather have it stay dark until NOON…than get dark so early in the evening! This time of year depresses me anyway…but its effect is only worsened by depriving me of sunlight during the only time of day when I can ordinarily take advantage of it! So…to the HIICODST (head idiot in charge of daylight savings time)…WAKE UP DUMMIE…WE ARE NOT NOCTURNAL!

The world is out of control. Newscasters spew forth vitriolic rhetoric in the guise of reporting, casting dark shadows of doubt and betrayal on those foundational things that we hold most dear. One man’s idiocy and moral ineptitude DO NOT doom the entire Christian population to extinction. Child molesters and murderers are released into our society…then the justice system seems shocked and appalled when they molest and murder again. The real solution is to mandate that any future offenses of those pieces of slime who are released…be paid for by the idiot who released him. Thus…if a murderer or a molester becomes a repeat offender…the judge/attorney/doctor…who deemed him ready to walk among us again…would share equally in future guilt and punishment. By the way…I’m certain that Otis would be for this!

Lastly, as my tirade comes to an end…I would like to thank the neighbor down the street for unknowingly lifting my spirits…when I needed it so badly last night. We had walked along in silence for about a mile…the result of an earlier disagreement…which had been resolved…but was still causing that 'kicked in the gut' feeling. Although it was only 6:20…the darkness was thick…and heavy around us. The rhythmic sound of our footfalls, and the occasional barking dog split the night at odd intervals. I blinked back hot tears and wished for yesterday…or tomorrow…anything but now. Out of the darkness…a twinkle caught my eye. As we neared the front of the house down the block…we were caught totally off guard…by Christmas! The big picture window was filled with a glorious, sparkling, fully dressed tree! This magical scene spilled out into the yard, with lights, and ornaments. It was a small display…but so timely! I paused, not wanting to miss any detail, barely breathing, I whispered, “It’s beautiful!” My mate shook his head and rolled his eyes at the very thought that they already had 'that stuff' up. I smiled again…and thanked them…silently.

Be Well!

Uno...our way!

Last night was great! The kids came for lasagna and hot rolls, after which we sat around the table and visited for a while. After cleaning up the supper mess…we settled into a marathon Uno game!! It was fantastic!! For the next three hours or so, we laughed, threw marshmallows at each other’s mouths, created an entirely new vocabulary (not for the faint of heart), laughed until we cried, teased, taunted, discussed relatives-movies-news items-politics-religion…all with our own twist, oh….and played Uno too! About half way through the evening, we paused for dessert of fudge brownies topped with melted Hershey bars, with vanilla ice cream on the side! The introduction of more sugar took our already soaring spirits even higher, and our laughter echoed through the neighborhood in a maniac, symphonic cacophony!!

We haven’t had so much fun…since last week! I treasure nights like those, and I wouldn’t give them up for anything in the world!! If every family had times like these…the world would be a better, happier place!

Be Well!!

Just a thought...

A Footnote…

A footnote in the life and times
Of those we love so much…
Destined to the lonely realms
Of “I remember once…”

Life goes by in a swirling mist
Never slowing down…
A quick, hard ride…of hopes and fears
The end comes fast around.

When they stop to reminisce…
What thoughts will be of you?
A vague remembrance…lost in time
Or the lasting things you do.

The times you came and made them laugh
Or soothed a shattered soul…
Which things will slip away…and which remain
No mortal mind can know.

So do your best, laugh a lot
…If that be who you are.
Forgetting not, that in the end
We’re all just shooting stars.

Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

A novel....alrighty then...

A month ago, I was “let go” from my job. The day my employer let me go, he assured me that my job performance had been fine, and that I had been a “good fit” with the other employees…they simply didn’t have time to train me for the position that they hired me for, and had decided to hire a “trained, compliance officer” who had already been through the training, tests etc…and could just step in and take the position and duties over.

There were circumstances in play at the time (which are too lengthy to recount here), but suffice it to say that I strongly suspected that they might be in league with the employer who I had left to take that job…to teach me a lesson…and get even with me for leaving the first employer, and for filing a claim against him with the labor board. The first and second employers were “good buddies”, and had been for years.

Bear in mind that I have been gone for a month now…yet things continue to unfold. Below is the updated list of reasons that they claim for my dismissal, with the dates that each was added:

1– No time to train me (the reason that they gave me, when they let me go). Sept 29
2- Excessive use of internet and email (the reason that they gave the labor board in an attempt to keep me from collecting unemployment benefits).
Mid October
3 – They found out I was writing a novel (the reason they gave one of the brokers recently, when she inquired directly about my dismissal) November 2

Holy cow…I only wish that I were writing a novel! How bizarre is all of this?! To top it off…they posted an ad yesterday…online, for my position…with no mention of compliance training. All of this is, to me, further assurance that my original suspicions were correct. What I don’t understand, is why a group of professional, educated people, don’t have the sense to at least get together and decide on which lie to tell…and stick to it…together.

Be Well!

Halloween...

Today is Halloween…a holiday in which I do not participate. There are a myriad of reasons why I choose not to be a part of this ghoulish time…and most of you would disagree with all of them…so be it. There was a time when I went with the flow…the whole nine yards. Eventually, I began to see the world as it is…instead of as it should be…and I realized that many of the “fun, fictional, make-believe” things that are a part of this celebration…aren’t “fictional”, or “make-believe” at all…they are very real…and have nothing to do with fun.

This is not a veiled attempt to dissuade anyone from celebrating…I learned a long time ago that each of us must come to our own conclusions. I have no quixotic illusions of rescuing the human race from hell fire and damnation…no one will go to hell because they celebrated Halloween. But…I would say this…understand that things are not always what they seem, there is a dark, dangerous, side of this world, that far exceeds imagination in it’s abilities. Although it exists in a region…unseen by human eyes…its effect on us is unmistakable. Its devastation can be total, and its reach incomprehensible.
I’m all for a rousing, good time…I just prefer that my fun not revolve around demons…witches…and spirits from the nether regions.

Whatever your convictions, desires, notions, preferences, or plans for this day may be…be kind to those around you, be aware of your surroundings, protect those in your care, don’t be duped, and listen to your heart.

Be Well, Be Safe, Be Alert

Arka who ha...

Once again, the weekend has passed in a frenetic flurry! Our time at Arkalalah was everything we hoped it would be…and more! The hour and a half ride to Ark City, the five of us together, laughing, talking, remembering past Arkalalah’s…and laughing some more, set the mood for a day filled with laughter, good natured ribbing, and creation of new memories. We strolled through the people packed streets, soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells of this annual celebration…with the aura of the past surrounding us and filling those unoccupied corners of our minds. The aroma of funnel cake, cotton candy, roasted corn on the cob, and corn dogs…joined intermittently by the occasional wisp of cologne or perfume, mingled with faces of people whose names were long ago forgotten. Struggling to recall those names, we joined forces and managed to retrieve a few…a second grade teacher, a grade school friend, a former co-worker...but soon we realized that names didn’t matter…and we settled into the simple comfort of knowing that we were on familiar ground, in familiar territory, and we were one group…of hundreds…who had come home again. I would never want to live there again, but there is solace in knowing, that there exists a place…where familiarity greets us. A place where we can go when we choose…leave when we want…and still be welcomed as friends when we return. One small spot in the cosmos…that we can claim as our own.

God smiled on the day…giving us weather beyond all expectations…sunshine and warm breezes. The parade was predictable…floats, spectacular marching bands (as well as some spectacularly bad ones), color guard (who opted for sobriety this year), veterans of every age, beauty queens, un-beauty queens, Shriners of every description, The Patriot Guard, tiny ballerina’s, 5 foot fowl, military vehicles, antique cars, antique people, and…of course…lots of candy thrown from or by all of the above.

We ended the day with dinner at Green Door…a small, shabby, grungy, Mexican food establishment…with perhaps the best chips and salsa on the planet! In keeping with the theme of familiar things…the waitress reported to our table with our drinks already prepared (correctly)…without asking us what we wanted, though it had been months since we were last there! The only one that wasn’t on her tray…was Candy’s…and I would bet money that next time, hers will be there too!

The drive home was happy, tired, and contented…with just a tinge of sadness…to see Arkalalah behind us again.

Marvin preached at our old church on Sunday…filling the pulpit in anticipation of a new pastor coming next week! His sermon was good, interesting, and appropriate…calling the congregation to support the new man in his endeavors…and to hold him fast…to the authority by which he is called!

I missed our new church…which is a good thing.

That brings us to this morning…I went for my morning walk, greeted the ducks and geese, and am patiently awaiting a phone call to inform me that I have, or have not been chosen for the job which I interviewed for on Friday. I’m curiously calm about it…either way…life goes on.

Be Well!

Arkalalah...

It's been a fast week. I have sent out a lot of applications and taken a lot of tests this week...this afternoon I have an interview for a position in the accounting dept of a local manufacturing firm. I'm afraid they are going to want to pay me less than my unemployment...but we will see. Everything else about the job sounds good, so I'm fairly certain something will go wrong.

On the bright side...tomorrow we head for Arkalalah! It will be a long, exhausting day of walking endlessly, through hoards of people whose faces look familiar...but whose names escape us. That's what happens when you move away for 11 years. Still, we look forward to this annual trek...the 2 1/2 hour parade, craft show, street vendors, bands, and hoopla! We will end the day totally wiped out, but happy, upbeat, chatting like magpies all the way home! It will be a good day!

For some reason I'm down in the dumps this morning...I can't quite figure out why...but so far...I can't shake it. There's a bit of that 'kicked in the stomach' feeling going on too...heart pounding a bit harder than usual...and a bit faster. The day is dreary...lots of wind, mist, grey clouds covering us like an umbrella.

Be Well!

A flaming red tree...on my walking path...isn't nature fantastic!

Stolen...

Thanks Shane!

Q. What is your occupation?
My occupation right now is…homemaker…in search of gainful employment.
Q. What color are the socks you are wearing?
No socks - I'm in the house!
Q. What are you listening to right now?
Beatles…”Come Together”
Q. What was the last thing that you ate?
A handful of miniature marshmallows and two chocolate Hershey miniatures…
Q. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yep…but I’d rather not.
Q. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
I’d be the color of a prism…does Crayola have that??
Q. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Personnel Agency
Q. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
I stole it…from my son…who I love!
Q. How old are you today?
51
Q. Favorite drink?
Cold, fresh, water!
Q. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I don't watch sports
Q. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Repeatedly…
Q. Pets?
None right now
Q. Favorite food?
Chocolate
Q. What was the last movie you watched?
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Q. Favorite day of the year?
Christmas Day
Q. What do you do to vent anger?
Clean or walk
Q. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I didn’t have a favorite
Q. What is your favorite: fall or spring?
The flowers of spring, the leaves of fall…but spring wins over all!
Q. Hugs or kisses?
Depends on who they're from
Q. Cherries or Blueberries?
Cherries
Q. Do you want your friends to email you back?
Of course!
Q. Living arrangements?
Me and my husband…in a big ole house
Q. When was the last time you cried?
A few days ago
Q. What is on the floor of your closet?
Carpet…and shoes…and shoe boxes
Q. What did you do last night?
Went for a walk, watched TV, chatted on IM, went to bed and dreamed about aliens.
Q. Favorite smells?
I love the smell of Christmas…and clean sheets!
Q. What (who) inspires you?
My family, nature, humanity…
Q. Favorite dog breed?
I love almost all dogs (just not the mean ones)…
Q. Number of keys on your key ring?
5
Q. How many states have you lived in?
2
Q. What are you afraid of?
Snakes
Q. Ever driven heavy machinery?
Once…a big bus…does that count??
Q. What is your favorite hobby?
Writing, Reading, and people watching…

Be Well!

Godcidence....

Over and over, I have commented on the fact that, in this town, I never see anyone that I know…

We began the day by attending a baptismal service for some friends. The church that they attend is very large and holds three services to accommodate everyone…we were at the middle service…9:30 a.m. There we sat, waiting for the service to start…when our daughter noticed the names of a couple who we hadn’t seen in more than ten years. This particular couple had a very ‘remarkable’ history where we came from…having split up two families and devastated our church by having an extramarital affair, he being the pastor, and she the secretary. In the end, they divorced their respective spouses, married each other and disappeared into the sunset. Despite the fact that we were…sitting in church…our human curiosity got the better of us and we began to crane our necks…hoping for a glimpse of the wayward twosome. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a man and woman slide into the row in front of us and sit down…it was them. After the service, we exchanged handshakes and pleasantries…and left thinking about the strangeness of the encounter.

As we moved out into the hallway, we were greeted by a man who, only a few months ago had discharged my husband from his job of 11 years, during a downsizing. During the ensuing conversation, we found out that, after the company used this individual to do their dirty work, they let him go as well. Before moving forward even one more step…a friend of the ‘company man’ walked up and was greeted by my husband, my son, and the company man…whereupon each looked at the other in amazement as they realized that they all had this acquaintance in common.

We left church talking about the events thus far. We soon arrived at a local Bar B Q place for lunch…a party of 11. As we sat at our table eating and chatting, we looked up to see a couple who we had not seen in three years or so…standing in line to eat. Hugs and updates were exchanged over the next ten minutes or so!

What an odd world we live in. I can’t help but reflect on the particular people who we were brought in contact with today. I believe that things happen for a reason, so is it possible that…the couple who left church and community in disgrace…may have been a reminder that God has forgiven them…and we should too, the man who dismissed my husband…perhaps to remind us that we don’t have a solitary claim to hardship…even though it sometimes seems as though we do! And…the last couple…a bright spot…at the end of remembrance of more sobering times.

All of these things…after a communion service…This Do In Remembrance Of Me…Godcidence…if ever I saw it!

Be Well!

The Geese...

A cold, blustery day...

I headed out for my morning walk...still in a funk. Out of the blue...familiarity lifted me. The geese have returned...today!

Geese

In an ever changing world
Of discontent…
Familiar things…
Like balm to the soul.

Cold wind in my face
Uncertainty in my heart
I trudge forth…
Battling dark thoughts.

In the distance…
I see them.
Waddling, honking,
Old friends in a storm.

Normalcy…comfort…
A parallel universe,
In which…yesterdays peace
Still exists.


Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

Foggy Tuesday...

I found out yesterday that my former employer is contesting my unemployment compensation. After a bit of thought and going back through some paperwork…it has become glaringly apparent why…the ‘good ole boy’ network. It seems that the need to protect each other is more important than honesty, ethics, or human decency. In their quest to be sure that they ‘get even’ with me for leaving their good buddy…they are willing to band together and lie.

I knew that there was some animosity towards me…but I would never have dreamed that they would do something like this. I assumed that they were professional people…who would put aside petty nonsense and move forward…I was wrong. It’s frightening to think that people who handle other people’s money and financial futures…are so ready to be dishonest. I will not work for another broker.

I am fighting depression this morning in a big way. I want nothing more right now, than to crawl back into bed, cover my head up and stay there. I am fed up with trying to do the right thing, and being kicked in the teeth. I hate the stupid ‘games’ that people in office settings seem determined to play…why not just go to work, do the job, give those around you a hand…and go home? I’m tired…disillusioned…hurt…and angry. I really don’t want to try anymore…but…the sun is trying to shine (although, much like me, it is shrouded by a dense fog this morning). I will put on my freaking ‘big girl panties’, go for a walk, and hope that it helps. Life goes on…and on…and on.

Be Well

Fast visit...

Sunday evening and Rich's visit is almost over. We will miss him more than he knows! He has truly become a wonderful part of our family! It takes a special person to fit in with our nutty bunch...he is very special and fits in perfectly! I am sad to see him go... but I already look forward to his next visit!! We have been so blessed by him this week!

Be Well!

Saturday morning...

Hello world! It’s been a fast few days! Here’s a recap!

Wednesday- We made a “Welcome to Kansas Rich” banner and headed to the airport to finally meet face-to-face with someone who I feel like I’ve known forever! As Rich came down the aisle, he was greeted by five crazy people holding the aforementioned banner and yelling and waving! I think we surprised him!

Thursday-Marvin and I headed for the airport about 2:30, so that he could catch his plane to Chicago for a seminar. It turned out to be a very long afternoon! He got checked in, picked up his boarding pass, then after going through security…was advised that the flight had been delayed…from 4:45 until 6:30. Over the next couple of hours, that time was changed several times and he finally ended up boarding at 7:00…then sitting on the runway until 7:45. The nightmare wasn’t over….after a long wait in Wichita and the usual flight time, he arrived in Chicago to find about 200 people trying to hail cabs. The weather was cold and blustery, and he was tired and half sick with a dreadful cold. It was after 10:30 p.m. by the time he finally stepped into a cab! Meanwhile, I found out just how big and empty our house can be! I hadn’t been ‘on my own’ in over 30 years. I ended up reading until after 2 a.m.

Friday-I got up around 8:30, checked email, showered, dressed, then began working on my book. About 11:00 Shane and Rich came over and we visited for an hour or so, then went to Fazoli’s for lunch. Afterwards, we drove around the eastside of Wichita for a bit and stopped at World Market to look around. By 2:00 we were back at our house and talked and laughed and laughed and laughed! It was great! Rich is one of the nicest people I have ever met, and he fits right in with our family! It really feels like we have always known him! Shane and Rich left about 4:00 or so, to go let Sugar out, then we met Chas and Candy at River City Brewery for dinner at 5:00. After dinner, we headed back to Chas’s to kick back and relax for a bit. We met Harold and Diane at Bergman’s Corn Maze at 8:15 or so, and the evening began in earnest! We were equipped with flashlights, a map, and a list of questions to answer in order to find our way through the maze. It was totally dark by the time the driver dropped us off at the entrance to the field, and a chilly wind had begun to blow. We spent the next two and a half hours tromping through rows and rows of corn. As we came to each station, we read the questions, debated the answers, wrote them down, then looked to Harold for direction! We completed the first maze at 10:00, entered the second one, and completed it at aprox 11:00! By the time we got back in the car to leave, our feet and hands were numb with cold! We talked, laughed, screamed and joked and…even though it was freezing…we had a blast! After a very hot shower, a cup of steaming hot chocolate, and a piece of banana bread…I hit the sack at 1:15!

That brings us to now…Saturday morning! I have a few errands to run, then I will pick Marvin up at the airport at 4:00…unless his arrival is as hexed as his departure was! This evening, he will make a big pot of chili, and after church tomorrow, we will have everyone over for a cookout! I love having a houseful of people, so I am really looking forward to it!!

See ya on the flip side!

Be Well!

N-U-C-L-E-A-R...Heaven help us...

Too late…

Clouds are gatherin
Skies gettin dark
Tomorrow, my friends…
Won’t be no walk in the park.

Korea proclaims…
"We’re catchin up."
In the dead of night
The flume goes up…

Souls of Hiroshima
Cry out in pain…
"Oh God…
Don’t go there again."

From Iraq…
To Bunker Hill
We’re determined…
More blood to spill.

My own doorstep
Now cluttered with ghosts…
They litter the ground
And cling to the posts.

Children playin killing games
Schools under siege…
Babies flyin war planes
Men doin what they please.

Faster and faster
Out of control,
Where it’s gonna stop…
We already know.

Close your eyes
Pretend it isn’t there…
Next time you look
The world is bare.

Covered in ash
No one left…
Except the politicians...
Immune to death.

Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

Play by play...

7:25-Marvin left for work

7:30-Fixed a small bowl of instant grits

7:33-Ate my grits while I checked email/blogs…I do love grits!

7:40-Put on sweats, tennis shoes, and IPOD and went for my morning walk…it is fresh, quiet, and gorgeous out this morning.

8:12-Back from my walk, changed clothes

8:15-Began cleaning kitchen…wiping out fridge, cleaning appliance fronts, cleaning out coffee maker, emptying dishwasher, washing and drying kitchen floor, landing floor, bathroom floor

10:07-Just finished the above! I decided to rearrange the fridge (took out shelving and relocated it) and made the cold water container much more accessible! Also, cleaned the sliding door track…ehhhh! How does that stuff get in there?

10:10-Vacuuming house (upstairs and downstairs…and both sets of stairs)

10:15-There is enough hair in the bag to make a wig! Worked up the nerve to check the mirror…I haven’t gone bald…

11:00-Finally finished vacuuming!! There’s a lot of house here! I must have gotten too hot…stupid head is trying to hurt. Time for a cool shower.

12:30-The shower and a few minutes of rest seem to have taken care of the headache! Thank heavens!

12:50-Eating a bowl of chicken noodle soup while I peruse Career Builders .com…these are the tiniest noodles I have ever seen…

1:00-Filled out online app for FBI…I fear it was for naught

1:30-Cleaned my desk up…I’d forgotten what the top looked like

1:46-Stupid headache is trying to wack me again…better lay down for a bit

2:30-Headache gone again-decided to prune hanging plant in living room…I’m afraid I killed it. Mourning period of 5 minutes ensued…followed by interment in the garbage bin. Shuffling of other plants resulted in an appropriate replacement…I decided not to prune it.

3:30-I ran a pot of vinegar water through the coffee maker…it has run over twice in as many days, and, as expected, it began to run over immediately. I finally took the gasket around the inside of the lid out, and it seems to work fine now…so I ran three pots of fresh water through it…daring it to run over again. If it had…it would have joined the plant.

4:07-Just finished applying online for two more jobs. Time now to fix dinner!

Have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious evening!!

Be Well!

No hump...

Here it is…Wednesday…hump day…and there is no hump. I spent the morning setting up a spreadsheet to accommodate my job search info, filling out applications to mail, registering with Kansas job link and Specialists Group. Did a bit of laundry, housecleaning, took lunch to Marvin, then stopped at Dillons for meds and food.

It is an absolutely glorious day outside! The windows are open and a fresh breeze is circulating the warmth and sunshine throughout! I cannot believe it is October 4th already! I shudder to think what Arkalalah holds…weather this mild now is probably only a precursor to a downhill slide! Be that as it may…I am still looking forward to that annual weekend of parades, concessions, seeing people that I can’t quite remember, and walking all day!

Dinner is in the oven…I have organized some of the chaos on my computer desktop, a new project is blooming in the back of my feeble brain…and my desk looks like a tornado hit it! All in all…a good and profitable day!!

Be Well!

Thank you Rich!!!

E-Mail Survey Time!
Put an X by all the things you've done, or remove the x from the ones you have not, and send it to all of your friends (including me). This is for your entire life.

( ) Smoked a cigarette
(x) Drank so much you threw up
( /) Crashed a friend's car(dad's car)
( ) Stolen a car
(X) Been in love
(X) Been dumped
(X) Quit your job
(x) Been in a fist fight
(x) Snuck out of your parents' house
(X) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
(/ ) Been arrested (taken in for questioning)
( ) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school
(X) Seen someone die (Too many times)
( ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost
( ) Been on the opposite side of the world.
( ) Gone to Washington , DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
(X) Felt like dying
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
( ) Recently colored with crayons,
( ) Sang karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with only coins
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
(x) Made prank phone calls
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
(x) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about
(X) Blown bubbles
(x) Made a bonfire on the beach
(x) Crashed a party
(X) Gone roller-skating
(x) Ice-skating....

1. Any nicknames? Jodyo, Jo, Jo Jo
2. Mother's name? Ellen
3. What is your favorite drink? Water, Diet Coke
4. Tattoos? No
5. Body piercing? 3 holes in each ear
6. How much do you love your job? I don't have a job.
7. Birthplace? Coffeyville, KS
8. Favorite vacation spot? Beach
9. Ever been to Africa ? No
10. Ever steal any traffic signs? Yes and parking meters
11. Ever been in a car accident? Yes
12. 2 Door or 4 Door? 2!
13. Salad dressing? Buttermilk Ranch, Raspberry Vinaigrettee
14. Favorite pie? Pumpkin
15. Favorite number? 2,4,8,16,5,11,
16. Favorite movie? Too many favorites to list
17. Favorite holiday? Christmas
18. Favorite food? Real mashed potatoes
19. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
20. Favorite brand of body soap? Victoria's Secret Amber Romance
21. Favorite TV shows? Everybody Loves Raymond
22. Favorite toothpaste? Crest
23. Favorite smell? Christmas
24. What do you do to relax? Write, talk, walk
25. What do you want to say to all of your friends reading this? Hi!
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Still goofy
27. What do you do when you are bored? Clean, walk, sleep
28. Where is the furthest place this message will go? My blog

Monday, Monday...

The reunion service at Randall Road was…interesting. We saw lots of people that we hadn’t seen for a while, and heard three (that’s right folks…THREE) sermons in one service. The first sermon was from the interim pastor…very ‘old school’…holy cow…I could have done without that one! The second from a former pastor…again…holy cow. Then a mini sermon by his wife and a…song…of sorts. All of the aforementioned had the tone of a dirge. Finally, we got to the good stuff! Chas sang John The Revelator (which was awesome, and was also exactly the lift that the service needed)! Then Marvin took the pulpit and immediately changed the entire atmosphere with a little laughter and irony! He did an excellent job! I must say, for the first time since we left this church…coming back did not feel like ‘coming home’. I don’t like change…and it takes me a while to ‘move on’ when life throws curves in the road…but I think I finally have.

Unfortunately, during the song that she sang, Chas was hit by a blood pressure/blood sugar/anxiety combo that nearly took her down! After some rest and meds, she was good to go again!

Lunch was pizza at our house, then Marvin and Shane left to go work on Shane’s porch, Candy went home to take a nap, and Chas and I began to get ready for the evening concert!

The Rolling Stones were amazing!! The Stones have always been fantastic…but I never knew that Keith Richards was so awesome in his own right!! Oh my gosh!! He did a blues number that BLEW ME AWAY!!!!!!! The pyrotechnics were outstanding, and the crowd was in sync!! All in all…it was a perfect evening!! I think it may well have been the best concert that I have been to since I was a kid!!

I would be remiss, not to mention the opening band…Black Rebel Motorcycle Club! I heard lots of comments, while standing in line to enter the stadium…about how ‘we got ripped’ by the enlistment of an unknown band as an opener. I believe that we were pleasantly surprised! I definitely enjoyed their performance! They rocked the house for an hour…there wasn’t a body in the stands that wasn’t feeling the beat! I don’t think they will remain ‘unknown’ for long!

I don’t seem to have any words of wit or wisdom to offer this morning…just trying not to start the week in a funk. A hot shower, then a bit of housecleaning and exercise may be just what the doctor ordered!

Catch ya later!

Be Well!

No words...

I started the day with a job that I wasn't happy with...but at least it was a job. I ended the day...without a job. I was supposed to be trained to be the compliance assistant...a process that takes 6 months to a year to complete...as it turns out...they have decided that they don't have time to train...they want someone who has experience in compliance, is fully trained, has taken all of the tests, and can step in and take it over now. So...Monday begins a new job search.

I'm tired...and I am all out of words.

Be Well

Slide on the ice...

Tomorrow is Friday!! Thank you Lord! We're in the home stretch now guys!! Pull down your pants and slide on the ice!!!

Be Well!

Nostalgia...

Today was long. My mind kept wandering...back through the years. As hard as just 'being' was when we were children...I always thought that the bonds that kept us going through it all...would last forever. Somehow, along the way, my brother and sister have drifted off...I miss them.

For Ran and Toby…

Reminiscing softly…the past we didn’t have
Childhood lost to monsters in the night…
Fending off the demons, hand in hand,
Protecting each the other…fought the fight.

Much has come and gone with years
Love brought down the ugly walls…
Banished are those dark and lonely fears
Time worked its magic on us all.

To the darkness…I gladly bid farewell
With a joy my soul cannot contain…
But your voices and your presence
In my heart…forever will remain.

I miss the bond of love
Shared…all through those years
I miss your closeness,
Though I do not miss the tears.

If someday…again you need me...
Just know that this is true
I’ll be right here waiting…
It’s all that I can do.

Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

Be Well!

Sedgwick County Zoo...

We spent the afternoon and evening at Marvin’s company picnic, a good time was had by all! The temperatures were in the mid 70’s all afternoon, and it was perfect for wandering around watching the animals! I had heard so much about the elephants and their paintings, but I had never been privileged to see them do it before! Today, we watched Stephanie, a 35 year old elephant, actually paint! It was very cool! Both of the elephants were in fine form and were absolutely endearing!! I have always had a soft spot for elephants though…so perhaps endearing is in the eye of the beholder. We saw everything…and walked forever!

Around 5:30, the company served Bar B Q for dinner. I normally have a difficult time getting to know people, but a very nice couple (the wife works closely with Marvin in the office) sat down at our table and struck up a conversation with us! Before we knew it, we were chatting and laughing and really enjoying their company!

Shortly before dinner, the temperature had begun to drop, and by the time we were finished eating, we had begun to shiver! People began to disburse quickly! I think it could have gone on for another hour or so…if there had been coffee and hot chocolate! We got some nice shots of things that we saw today, and I have posted them above!

Be Well!

I found this poem this morning...it is beautiful! I just wanted to share!!

To Daffadills

Faire Daffadills, we weep to see
You haste away so soone:
As yet the early-rising Sun
Has not attain'd his Noone.
Stay, stay,
Untill the hasting day
Has run

But to the Even-song;
And, having pray'd together, we
Will goe with you along.
We have short time to stay, as you,
We have as short a Spring;
As quick a growth to meet Decay,
As you, or any thing
We die,
As your hours doe, and drie
Away,
Like to the Summeres raine;
Or as the pearles of Mornings dew,
Ne'er to be found again.

Robert Herrick.

Catch ya on the flip side!

Be Well!

Looooooong day.....

After the longest day ever…it was thankfully time to go home!! Eggs, pancakes, and bacon for supper, then chores!

Marvin closed the pool for the season while I gave my bamboo plant a clean vase and fresh rocks, emptied all of the trashes, pulled the cart to the curb, and swept the kitchen!
A productive evening all around!

About 7:30, I headed out for my evening walk. Determined to stay the course tonight, I cranked up the tunes and, for the first time since my bathtub acrobatics, went the entire distance! I was limping by the last couple of blocks…but this too shall pass! I feel really good that I didn’t wienie out on the last third of my usual route (like I have been), but I am pooped out!

A summary of the week thus far…work sucks…but the time after work has been great! Fabulous temperatures…sunshine…lots of fresh air dancing through the house…those things combined always energize me!! I love this time of year! I am so looking forward to the fall colors, as summer says goodbye. I am so NOT looking forward to the gray…blustery…frigid days ahead…when winter says hello. Although, I must admit, the thought of that first glittering snowfall…is nice.

Be Well!


Would you…

If you could..
In the course of a day…
Influence a child
In a positive way…

Make someone’s life
Seem better somehow…
Help them to see
Beyond here and now…

Rid your own soul
Of idiot fray…
Squash every moron
Who gets in your way…

Would you in fact
Effect all these things…
Or is there contentment
That imagining brings?

Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved