two more years

I think I've already mentioned how much I love the Olympics. I really do. Whether it's Winter or Summer, I enjoy watching the show of athleticism and competitiveness. I like learning about the different sports, about the countries, and especially hearing the personal stories of the athletes. I love feeling American pride while watching our athletes represent our country in such a fine manner. Heck, I even like the commercials. It's been a wonderful two weeks of all of this, and I'm sad to see it end.

As I reflect on these winter games, I realize there's another thing I enjoy about the Olympic event, and that's the sportsmanship of not just the athletes, but the countries themselves. It's a thing of beauty to watch the people of this world getting along with each other, even encouraging and lending support to each other. For two weeks, it feels like the world is a little smaller and much more friendlier.

It reminds me of Christmastime. For a short period of time each year, the world is a rosier place where people want to share their Christmas spirit with friends and strangers alike. But by January 1st, that Christmas good will has pretty well died out and becomes a mere memory. It's the same for the Olympic spirit. It's time is limited.

I'm guessing that most of us are looking forward to moving on from the late nights of non-stop Olympic coverage and on to our normal sleep patterns, but I, personally, am going to miss watching and feeling that Olympic spirit. And unlike Christmas, which comes around every year, we're going to have to wait two years before the Olympic flame is lit again. But when it is lit, it will burn brightly, and once again, we can bask in it's glow.

black history=my history

Today, being the first of February, kicks off Black History Month. I've never given this themed month too much thought. But I remember last year getting to February 28th and thinking, "I didn't write anything on my blog that would commemorate the history of the black person or praise the accomplishments of anyone from the black community."

So, when I read something today that reminded me that we are once again to this month on the calendar, I started thinking about what Black History Month really means to me. What should it mean to me? Although I think it's a good thing that we recognize the many contributions made by the black man or woman, why do we have to have a month to do that? Why aren't we doing that all year long?

And why do we single out the black heritage? Do we have a Native American month?, or a Hispanic month? Not that I know of. I'm thinking that black history is a part of American history. We shouldn't pigeon-hole all that is of the African-American people into just one month out of the entire year. Their history is every American's history. That's just my opinion.

Even though I have the above opinion, I went looking into some black history. I found the Bio site is featuring biographies on all kinds of black people, from activists to athletes to politicians to musicians. The History site also gives some interesting milestones and stories. I enjoy history - all kind of history - so I will spend some time reading these features this month.

I guess that's really the purpose of Black History month... education. And to that end, it's an important month that shouldn't go by without notice.

dani's 15 minutes of fame

As I alluded to yesterday, our trip home Saturday had a little bit of excitement. I'll just type it out in the order it all happened...

We were at the Los Angeles airport and as our boarding time was approaching, Danielle and I decided to use the restroom. As we approached the monitors that displayed the departure times of flights, we noticed a couple of cameramen with their cameras pointed at the monitors. I then notice a couple also standing there and instantly knew I'd seen them before. They had been on TV but I couldn't remember what show. I tell Danielle and we both rack our brains trying to figure out where we've seen them before. We then realize that there's another couple there (two African American women) and the light bulb goes on - they're a part of the TV show, The Amazing Race.

I go up to the familiar looking guy and ask him if he's a part of The Amazing Race and he tells me all that he can say is that they're in a race. I wish him luck and walk away still not knowing where I know him from. Danielle then asks, "weren't they on Big Brother?" YES!! That's where they're from. Jeff [Schroeder] and Jordan [Lloyd] were fan favorites on last season's popular reality TV show Big Brother, and made it obvious on the show that they had feelings for each other. Jordan was the eventual winner of the season.

Okay... this is pretty big for me. The Amazing Race and a Big Brother connection. I watch both of these shows (yes, I like reality TV). I tell Danielle to take a picture with her iPhone. She doesn't want to do it but hands her phone over to me. So I step forward and take the two best pictures I can without making it seem overly obvious of what I'm doing. We then leave to go share our bit of news with Don and Jake. Before we board our plane, I update my Facebook status with what I thought was pretty exciting and Danielle updated her Twitter with the simple statement, "It never fails. I always see famous people at the LAX airport," along with the picture of Jeff and Jordan (the one I took!).

An hour into the flight, we're told by the pilot that there is a medical emergency on board and we have to make an emergency detour to the Las Vegas airport. Ugh! Although I understood the need to do this, I just wanted to get home. As we deplaned, Danielle turned on her iPhone and found that she had numerous updates/comments to her Twitter - all expressing great excitement over her sighting and photo. By the time we get to Denver, the feedback is at a frenzy level.

I say frenzy level because evidently we (because it really was a joint effort) broke the news to the world that not only had the 16th season of The Amazing Race started (that day, as it turns out), but that Jeff and Jordan were one of the teams. Word traveled fast and now the information that we had and the photo that we took is all over the internet. And not just blogs and forums, but such sites as Entertainment Weekly and other celebrity monitoring sites. Most of them give credit to Danielle as the one who took the picture and even that she broke the story. It's been crazy to see the photo everywhere as well as Danielle's name and account of what we saw.

You can google and find the pics but I'll save you the trouble by posting them here. You can also read Danielle's Twitter posts here.




Dani is enjoying her 15 minutes of fame. Had we known this was such a big deal, we would have tried to take a few more pictures, not of just Jeff and Jordan, but the other teams as well. It will be fun to watch the next season knowing that we have a connection to it.

too close for comfort

I know a lot of people don't listen to or read the news anymore. I can't really blame them. It can all be very negative and overwhelming. But there's a major story being reported right now about a man who is accused of being a ringleader to a terrorist group, plotting to plant explosives on transit lines here in the states.

Najibullah Zazi was born in Afghanistan, lived for some time in Pakistan and has been a U.S. resident for the past 10 years. I won't go into all the details here, but you can read more about him and what has been reported in the news here and here.

You may have heard or noticed that this man's questioning and arrest has taken place here in Denver. To be more exact, here in Aurora (where I live). To be even more precise, this accused terrorist lives right down the street from me. I mean, RIGHT DOWN THE STREET.

I drive by the apartments where he resides on a nearly daily basis. The day they searched his apartment (which took the whole day), they didn't release the kids from the local middle school, at the end of their day, because they didn't want the students to go home to that apartment complex. This was the same school I worked at last year. I know some of these students.

I find all of this disturbing; a little too close for comfort. I find any report on terrorism disturbing and scary. It makes it even scarier that this guy lives in my neighborhood, that he may shop in the same grocery store as I, that he may eat in the same restaurants or spend time in my beloved plaza. I continue to watch the news, wishing it wasn't happening in my backyard, but it is. It makes me realize that this kind of thing can happen anywhere. And it is... here!

incredibly unbelievable

My heart is very heavy after reading THIS. (click for link)

I just don't get it; a pastor who preaches from his pulpit that he wants President Obama to die, and to go to hell. He doesn't just make that statement, but gives examples in which manner he wishes President Obama to die. All because he's pro-life. Evidently, he also wanted President Bush to die because he didn't believe in the Iraq war.

Obviously, this man is misguided. What gets me is that he is a pastor - someone who should have learned of God's love in great detail and who should then turn around and preach, teach, and model that love. He gives Christianity a black eye. He makes all Christians look like hypocrites. He makes a mockery of Jesus and His teachings. It makes me so sad.

I don't care what your politics are. If you call yourself a Christian, you should want to follow Christ and His teachings, which is all based on love, not hate. Jesus didn't pray for the death of Herod or any other political leader. Jesus wanted everyone to be saved from hell. I don't understand how this guy can call himself a Christian, let alone a pastor.

what a day!

June 25, 2009
a day of joy, and sorrow.

We celebrated Jake's 19th birthday today. Wow! It's hard to believe that my baby boy is 19 years old. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was holding his hand as we crossed the street? I guess not. It just seems like it. It's been nineteen years of amazing memories and watching him grow up to be the wonderful young man he is. Happy Birthday Jake.

But, in the future, when I think of this date, it probably won't be Jake's 19th birthday that I think about. It will be the two celebrities that passed away today. Farrah Faucet and Michael Jackson.

Many are mourning the death of these two iconic figures, but many others could care less. I understand this. This group would include those who don't follow the lives of celebrities, or are not interested in the music industry, or are just too young to appreciate who these two people were and what they contributed to their respective industries.

It's not that I'm some big follower of celebrities or a personal fan of either one that has me mourning each death. It's the fact that each one was a part of my early years, and because of that, they have impacted my life.

Farrah Faucet became part of my world when she played one of Charlie's Angels on the popular TV show in 1976. I was a teenager and watched the show religiously. It was a time when women's roles on TV were changing from the Harriet Nelson and Carol Brady types to more of the young, modern characters; roles I could relate to. Farrah Faucet was young, beautiful, brave and funny. Young (and old) men weren't the only ones that admired her. Young women just had a different reason to.

I remember seeing Michael Jackson performing with his older brothers, as the group The Jackson 5, when I was quite young. He was just a boy, a boy the same age as I was since he was only a year older than me. They would occasionally perform on the Andy Williams show, or some other variety show that my parents used to watch. I watched him grow up and become an amazing musician and entertainer. I had some of his music and played it and danced to it at parties and get-togethers. Yes, his life was marred by controversy, but no one can deny the talent he had and how much he contributed to popular music. He was, and will always be, the king of pop(ular).

Both Farrah and Michael were rare individuals, bigger than life, who changed their world and the world around them. I join thousands of other mourners because that world included me.

where does hate come from?

and
Why is there so much hate in the world?

This is what's been rattling around in my brain lately, ever since a white supremacist entered the Holocaust museum and opened fire, killing a security guard. He didn't just hate Jews, but his hate was so passionate that it drove him to want to kill those he hated. And a week before, a fanatic went into a church and shoots down an abortion doctor all in the name of pro-life. How can someone who proclaims to be pro-life snuff out a life? I don't understand hate and I definitely don't understand murder. How does someone have that much hate in them?

I googled "where does hate come from" and found a few interesting sites and tidbits of information. One shared theory is that all hatred arises from a story; there can be no hatred without a tale of woe to tell about how the hater has been wronged in some way. Others (professionals and otherwise) have stated that it comes from fear, ignorance, arrogance, a sense of superiority, upbringing, and/or insecurities.

I say it's a combination of at least some of these, if not all of them. In some ways, they're all intertwined with each other. That's why I wrote what I did in yesterday's post. I think ignorance is common. Judgement comes from ignorance. In fact, we can all look at that list and find one or more areas where we may personally struggle with. But I think it's safe to say that we don't allow it to become hate. Or maybe it does, to some degree. Maybe there's more hate in us common folk than we know or are willing to admit to. I don't know. Does anyone know?

I realize I'm asking questions that I'll never get clear answers to. I simply don't think there are any answers to the age old question of; Why does the seed of hate bloom in some but not others? It's just one of those sad facts of life. And it makes me feel sad for those who let hatred rule and ruin their lives.

God wants us to live a life of joy. There can be no true joy when hatred is present. In my humble opinion, true joy comes from love - loving and being loved. Imagine what this world would be like if we all practiced love more. Who knows how many lives might be changed? Who knows how much hate might be driven away?

Hate is easy.
Love takes courage.
...

quite an exciting afternoon

'What a beautiful day,' Don and I commented to each other as we left church today. I decided it would be a perfect day to eat outside at my favorite restaurant over at Southlands. My favorite eatery in this outdoor mall, located about 3 miles from our home, is Paradise Bakery. We picked Danielle up from home and headed on over to the popular area. We ate a yummy lunch while sitting in the sun, listening to the music coming out of the sidewalk speakers and watching the kids play in the nearby fountain playground. It was obvious that we weren't the only ones that thought it was a perfect day to be out and about.

That was around 12:30. But by 1:45 things had changed drastically. Where an hour before there were care-free shoppers strolling down Main Street, there was now a tornado ripping it's way down the same thoroughfare. Yep... a tornado.

The EF1 or EF2 (it hasn't been categorized yet) tornado was on the ground for 30 minutes and traveled a path of 8-10 miles. As you can imagine, there was quite a bit of damage and a lot of scared people. Shoppers and movie goers were ushered into the safest parts of the buildings they were in as they heard the commotion going on outside. But they didn't stay in too long because then there were reports of gas leaks. Everyone was quickly evacuated from the mall area.

There were uprooted trees, twisted metal wrapped around poles, blown out windows, relocated benches and cars, and even a car turned upside down. Across the street there is a Lowe's. The tornado picked up model sheds and swingsets and carried them across the street. Large heating and air conditioning units on the roof were ripped off and rain poured into the store.

Not only did it rain hard, but it hailed hard. In the immediate area of the tornado, the hail was baseball size. Here at my house, the ice balls were slightly smaller - golf ball size. I have never seen hail that large, nor heard the sound of it hitting a car - it's loud. I'm so glad that both my car and I were protected from the pummeling. Needless to say, we have a lot of shredded trees around here.

Where was I during the tornado? Standing in the doorway of my garage in awe and snapping a couple of pictures. Some of you may think I was being stupid by not taking refuge in my basement, but we felt safe as we were pretty sure the tornado was moving away from us. We caught the tail end of the show because we watched it go back up into the clouds. One minute it was there, the next it was completely gone.

I sent in a couple of my pictures to the local news stations, along with many other amateur photographers. There were some amazing photos of the tornado. It makes me wish I would have taken my camera, jumped in my car and chased it. I would have loved to have seen what kind of photos I could have got. Oh well... another day... hopefully.

Here are the shots I did get:

happy birthday

...to Barbie

The ever popular Barbie doll turned 50 today. She was introduced at a toy fair on March 9, 1959 as a teenage model by Mattel. The picture here is what the Barbie of 1959 looked like. Since then, Barbie has changed her look to fit the times. She has taken on countless roles that vary anywhere from an astronaut and doctor to a ballet dancer and lifeguard. She has been the subject of many controversies and lawsuits over the years, but has withstood them all and has remained a beloved childhood doll to most young girls.

I was one of those girls. I loved playing with Barbie, Ken, and all their friends for many years during my childhood. I had cases that doubled as housing structures. I had furniture and accessories. And clothes... boy, did I have quite the assortment of clothes. I never tired of creating my Barbie world, complete with complex relationships, ever-changing scenarios, and of course, constant wardrobe changes; role playing at it's finest.

Sadly, my sister and I gave away our Barbies once we felt like we outgrew them, not even imagining that they might one day become collector's items. I wish I had held on to a couple of them for the sake of nostalgia. I've heard that some stores are selling a replica of the original Barbie at the original selling price - $3.00. I may have to pick one up... for nostalgia's sake.

recovery

Whether you voted for Barack Obama or not... whether you agree with the stimulus package that was just signed or not... I think we should find favor with the new website, www.recovery.gov, that has been set up by President Obama's administration that will track where the money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is going.

I know this act is a touchy subject and I don't mean to rile up any volatile emotions. I just wanted to say that I think this website is a great idea and I applaud the President for his desire to be transparent and accountable and make this information public and available. I encourage you to check out the site. It's user friendly and very straight forward. I know I plan to visit it frequently so I can personally watch the progress of this act and how the economy is being affected - either good or bad.

I also find it fascinating that this is where technology has brought us. We have to admit that the internet has changed our lives in so many ways. I love seeing new ways in which it's being used and this site is a good example of that. I think it's great that the government is using this tool to communicate with us, as taxpayers and citizens of this great country. Thank you President Obama.

eight is more than enough

Something has been bothering me for a little over a week now and as I've done in the past, if something is on my mind, I bring it here. I mostly do this to get it off my chest, but it also helps me to get different perspectives and insight by the comments that are left. So let me know what you think.

I know this will sound judgemental. Even though I try very hard not to judge others, I'm having a hard time not judging in this situation. I'm talking about the mother who had octuplets last week.

My first thoughts must have been what most people hearing the news would have thought; eight babies.... what a handful, or glad it's not me or that's incredible. I kept waiting for the pictures; of the babies, of the happy mother and father. I wanted to hear how this extraordinary event was going to change the lives of those involved - in challenging and wonderful ways.

As one day turned into the next and information about the mother started emerging, I became even more intrigued, and disturbed. It ends up that the mother is a single unemployed mom who already has six kids, all under the age of eight. She lives with her mom in a small (probably a two bedroom) house. Not ideal circumstances.

I can't help but wonder how she's going to manage giving the necessary care to fourteen children, eight of them infants. I want to know what kind of fertility clinic would help to impregnate a woman with her particular set of circumstances. I can only speculate why this woman would want another child and take the chance of having more than one.

I can't be the only one that thinks she acted irresponsibly and that those eight precious babies may be in trouble. I've heard she wants a TV deal, something like Jon & Kate plus 8. I guess if that happened, it would change her financial situation, but little else. I truly hope that it all works out some how. I really don't want to judge this woman. I just want what's best for those babies, as well as her other children.

brokenness

I watched Ted Haggard on Oprah yesterday and I can't get something he said out of my head. For those who may not know, Ted Haggard is the fallen pastor from a mega church here in Colorado who made the national news a while back admitting to being with a male prostitute and involved with drugs.

I've only seen him on Oprah even though he's done a few other interviews lately. I thought he was very candid and humble and although his situation has been detrimental to the message from the christian church, I will not judge him. It's not my place. There are too many specks in my eye.

In the interview, he mentioned that at one point, years before he acted out on his attractions, he went to the spiritual leaders of the church because he was worried and confused by his attraction to men and the urgings he was feeling. He went on to say that the only advice these (or at least some of these) leaders gave him was to work harder in the church, to commit himself more to doing God's work.

Of course, I don't know what was going on in the heads of these spiritual leaders or can't even know for sure this is what their advice was, but if it is true and the only advice these leaders could give, I find it incredibly sad.

It makes me wonder how many people out there that are hurting, to whatever degree, and have gone to the church for help, for guidance, for wisdom, and received such a nice and neat answer such as, "pray more," "believe more," or the worst, "work more on doing God's work."

Or how many people won't go to the church for help because they feel like only perfect people go to church. I can't help but wonder if we, as Christ's church, don't show our failings, our short comings, our struggles and challenges enough for the world to see that we are all broken. And it's because we are so broken that makes us realize that we need God's help and salvation.

I can't help but wonder how different life might have been for Ted Haggard if he had received different advice.

a taste of history (part II)

During yesterday's inauguration, there was an invocation given as there always is for such occasions. But there was some controversy both before and afterwards.

Part of the controversy was over the pastor that was asked to deliver this traditional prayer. His recent comments and involvement in fighting gay marriages have angered many. I guess you could say that the liberal communities didn't think he was a good choice for him to be a part of the inauguration ceremony. Those that are more conservative didn't like the choice either, wondering why he would agree to be a part of anything Democratic.

Controversy on the other end was of the prayer itself. The buzz comes from the non-christian communities thinking that the prayer was too "christian." I don't quite get that because I thought it was a "prayer" and from my experience, a prayer is addressed to God, asking Him for His wisdom, guidance, and blessings. How can it be too "christian?"

When I heard Rick Warren was giving the invocation, I thought it was a good choice from the Obama camp. I like Rick Warren and I really liked his prayer. I thought it was beautiful and I didn't think it had an "overtly christian appeal," but that's because of my own faith and relationship with my God, which is also Mr. Warren's God.

Here was the invocation:

"Let us pray.

Almighty God, our father, everything we see and everything we can't see exists because of you alone. It all comes from you, it all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory. History is your story.

The Scripture tells us Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our God; the Lord is one. And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.

Now today we rejoice not only in America's peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time. We celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African-American president of the United States.

We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership.

And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in Heaven.

Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.

Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race or religion or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all.

When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the Earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us.

And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes, even when we differ.

Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all.

May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day all nations and all people will stand accountable before you.

We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.

I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus, Jesus (hay-SOOS), who taught us to pray, Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen."

a taste of history (part I)

Today was a historical day.

I write this not for the readers who might read this post today or tomorrow, but for the future generations of my family that might some day read my attempts to share who I am and the world I live in.

Today, Barrack Obama was sworn in as our 44th President and the first African-American President of our fine country. It was an amazing day in so many ways and I wish I could articulate how much it affected not only me, but so many other Americans, especially the African-American community. I'm just not that good of a writer. I've tried, but words fail me.

Over two million people crowded into the National Mall area of our nation's capital, in freezing weather, to see and experience this historical event. And the rest of the country was watching it, too. Businesses stopped doing business and invited all those around to sit and watch the ceremonies on TV. People had viewing parties. I saw a clip on the news where it was shown on airplanes.

And I think about every classroom had their TVs on as students watched history being made, instead of just reading about it. That's the way it was as I walked down the hallways of the school where I work. I enjoyed watching President Obama give his speech in the company of our country's future, the young and eager minds of students.

Not all of them could stay interested, finding themselves bored most likely due to not understanding all the words, and the meaning behind the words. Someday they will. Others were glued to the screen, hanging on every word, somehow knowing the importance of this day.

And in the end, we, the whole class, stood and sang the national anthem, being lead by the group singing on TV. I couldn't help but get choked up knowing how many people - young and old, black and white (and every other color), christian and atheist, and yes, Republicans and Democrats - were all singing at the same time. We are not only the United States, but the united citizens of America as well.

it's mimosa for 2009

Did you know that there is a color assigned to each year?
The color for 2009 is Mimosa, which is the color to the left.
Mimosa embodies hopefulness and reassurance in a climate of change. (Source)

"Pantone, an X-Rite company, and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 14-0848 Mimosa, a warm, engaging yellow, as the color of the year for 2009. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow.

"The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."

Best illustrated by the abundant flowers of the Mimosa tree and the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail, the 2009 color of the year represents the hopeful and radiant characteristics associated with the color yellow. Mimosa is a versatile shade that coordinates with any other color, has appeal for men and women, and translates to both fashion and interiors. Look for women's accessories, home furnishings, active sportswear and men's ties and shirts in this vibrant hue."

Personally, I can't think of a better color. Yellow is my favorite color and I do associate it with the sunshine, with warmth, and with optimism. In case you were wondering, the color for 2008 was Blue Iris (PANTONE 18-3943).

two tales

There are two stories in the news right now that has me thinking about the contrast between the two.

The first is a local story here in Denver (source). There may be similar ones around the country. It is about a couple who put an ad on Craig's List inviting anyone who didn't want to spend Thanksgiving alone to their home for a Thanksgiving meal. They had over 30 people respond to the ad. The couple decided that instead of picking a few, they would extend the invitation to all of the respondents.

When word got out about this couple's good will, food and chairs and tables were donated for the occasion. Last year at this time the couple was living in a donated tent camper after losing their business and home. They have been able to pull themselves out of the harder times into a modest townhome and minimal income. Still, they felt like they wanted to help out those less fortunate. And that, they did. Thirty plus strangers gathered in the small townhome to enjoy the food and fellowship that so many of us take for granted.

The second story tells us about the consequences of the frenzy of Black Friday, a day that is all about consumerism and materialism. In New York, an employee of WalMart was trampled to death by a horde of shoppers who stormed the doors (source). Once the employee fell to the ground, he was simply and tragically ran over by a crowd of eager shoppers. Others were hurt, including a pregnant woman.

My questions are; Did anyone not notice they were trampling over a body laying on the ground? Did anyone try to help this man up? Was that bargain worth this man's life?

I know the Friday after Thanksgiving has always been a huge shopping day, but I don't always remember it being called Black Friday. When did it get this name? How did it become such a frenzy for both the retailer and the shopper?

To be honest, I don't know what else to write. I don't want to offend anyone. I'm not saying that if you went out shopping on this day, that you're a bad person. I know many who love going out shopping on this day, and I would not think of judging anyone for this.

I'm just wondering how this all happened. I'd like to blame the retailers for inciting such a madness, but doesn't part of the responsibility need to be taken by the consumer? And I guess we can say that this year, it's the economy that's playing such a large role in our craziness.

There's no real point to this point except to write a commentary on the times we live in. There will always be the spirit of giving and caring. There will always be the reality of consumerism and the fact that we feel like we "need" something. Maybe the bottom line is that we need to figure out what we really "need."

It is a blessing that we will be able to spend the next holiday, Christmas, with our extended family in California. We're all looking forward to this trip.


Blessing #28 in a month's worth of blessings.

woo-hoo!

It's a blessing to have gas prices continue to fall.


Blessing #12 in a month's worth of blessings.

oh no! not another political post...

Don't worry... I'm not going to talk about any particular party or candidate. I think we've all had enough of that and I know I'm not the only one that is glad to see the election process end today. But this is the last time I can say anything about politics for awhile because it would sound silly to talk about it after today. Bear with me.

I am amazed I would want to say anything at all. Before this election, talk about anything political would not have happened with me. I have never felt comfortable with politics, and there's still a part of me that isn't. I have found that most political conversations don't accomplish much except judgement and division.

But this election was different from previous ones. I have found an interest in politics that I have never had before. I've been trying to figure out why and I've come up with a couple of reasons.

One, this election has been so different in that a we saw a popular woman running against the first African American and a fairly large number of republicans throwing their hat in the ring in the beginning. Then history being made with the first African American candidate who ends up having a good chance at being elected President. And not to be outdone, the Republicans picking a woman - a pit bull of a woman - for the role of Vice President. From these standpoints, it's all been very exciting and I didn't even mention some of the major issues that have become so important to the country.

The second reason I accredit to the Internet. It has been so easy for me to research candidates and issues. Facts and opinions are plentiful if you're willing to dig a little and keep an open mind. I've spent a lot of time online reading up on both candidates and many, many issues. It has helped me get a clearer picture of who our two candidates are.

There's a third reason, and that is that both of my kids are voting for the first time in their lives. They're new to the process of listening to the candidates, doing their own research, and deciding who they want to vote for. We've had many conversations over the last 21 months (yes, it's been that long since the campaigning first began) and I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed the great discussions we've had and watching them form their own opinions.

A few days ago, Don and Danielle were discussing some of our local amendments. Don was explaining some of the intricacies of some complicated issues. She listened intently and asked many questions. I loved watching this interaction. A little bit later, she asked me something about one of the issues and then told me she didn't know if she agreed with her dad on some of the issues.

Woo-hoo! This made my heart smile. I want my kids to be independent thinkers. I don't want them to think a certain way or make any decision just because that's the way mom or dad think. And I am thrilled that they've taken this election seriously and see voting as a privilege that they want to be a part of.

My blessing today is that I live in a country that is built on democracy and gives it's citizens the freedom to vote for it's officials. The added blessing is that my children are now a part of this process.


Blessing #2 in a month's worth of blessings

do we need more wooden arrows?

I don't understand.

And I'm trying not to let my ignorance skew my emotions, but I'm also mad. I know this whole financial "rescue" (they're not using the word bailout anymore; something about negative connotations - duh!) is needed, but it makes me mad that the big, greedy guys get to be bailed out (I can still use the word), while the average citizen is expected to own up to their responsibility and trudge on through hard times. No one come along and bails us out!

What I don't understand and makes me more mad is the "extras" they added to this current rescue plan. I heard about it on a couple of the morning shows and went online to find out what the "extras" were and why they were there. Here's what I found that the senators added to the bill: (source)

* Manufacturers of kids’ wooden arrows - $6 million.
* Puerto Rican and Virgin Islands rum producers - $192 million.
* Wool research!
* Auto-racing tracks - $128 million.
* Corporations operating in American Samoa - $33 million.
* Small- to medium-budget film and television productions - $10 million.

Why? I guess, because they can. Lobbyist doing their jobs and in my opinion, Senators, at least a few of them, who are not. It should be all about restoring our economy with as little money as possible. After all, who will be paying for this in the long run? I believe that would be you an me, the average citizen.

As I look at this list, I would think all of these entities, with the exception of maybe kids' wooden arrows (but do we need these?), can either raise their own funds or have access to funds just by what they do. How much money pours into the racing industry? Don't rum producers make a bundle of money from sales? Why is the federal government concerned about small to medium budget films?

Call me ignorant, but I just don't understand.

He was there

Meet Me in the Stairwell

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I
held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK.. I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan...
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all know Me.
Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.'
Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you. But someday your journey will end.
And I will be there for you as well.

Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment,
you know you are 'ready to go.'
I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

~Stacey Randall