Well, this has certainly ended up to be a busy, somewhat fun-filled week.
First, my eye appointment, which thankfully went well. No more abscess or infection. Bonus? No more visits for another three months.
But also, it was a bit of a frustrating day. Why? Because at the previous week's appointment with my son's Psychiatrist, I had scheduled a home visit with his Case Manager to discuss behavior modifications and whatnot. 11:15 AM came. And it went.
By 3:00 I had called his doctor's office to let him know that the CM was a "no call/no show". The nurse took down my message, and ON HER OWN, stated she was also sending the report to the Case Manager's Supervisor. While I was at it, I finally said I also was tired of having to CONSTANTLY sign late paperwork. This last one was signed a MONTH late (as usual).
She "ratted" me out to the doctor at this past visit, because "he has to know and it's nothing personal" when I CALLED her and cancelled. He was having a good morning that day, and I wanted him in school. Plus it's not like he was seeing the doctor THAT day, anyways.
That's alright. Because turn about's fair play. At least I called to cancel my appointment at the office.
As for Thanksgiving, all went well. We cooked the ham. It was pretty good, if I don't say myself. It was a really pretty day.
Were you nutty enough to go out for Black Friday sales? Including the midnight sales? My husband was. But for a good cause.
Our old Sanyo TV, which was pushing 12 years old finally gave up and grew wings and went to Television Heaven. So, he bought a 40 inch flat-screen for $250. Normal price was about $400. Can't complain. That is our "together gift" for this Christmas.
All in all, it wasn't too bad of a holiday week. Now, time to ready for Christmas decorating, shopping and wrapping.
Too bad that a certain Case Manager is going to come back from an extended holiday weekend to find out that she is in deep doo-doo. I have a feeling that I am not the only one that has made a complaint against her. Because, why else would a Psychiatry office's nurse be the one to state that SHE wanted to file a complaint with the CM in question's Supervisor?
My work is ORIGINAL...Don't be a thief.
What is written in this blog, is of the author's own originality. It contains the sole views, thoughts, and stories of this blog's author.
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Friday, November 25, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Have a "Hoppy" Friday, Friends!!
Well, after today, I will have some "quality" time with my kids. I can't wait! The fights. The arguments, the not wanting to get off the DS. The wanting to DAILY go to McDonald's (after swooning to me and pleading cases as to why they HAVE TO go to my personal hell).
Yes, friends, it is looming upon me and all of the city schools (but one, which an all-year-around school). SPRING BREAK!!!!
But today, it's volunteering day at school. I get to "hide" the eggs for the PC named "Spring Egg Hunt" and prep everything for the "Spring Break Party" later in the afternoon. Otherwise, it's an easy-peasy kinda day. Which usually is not an easy day, filled with reading groups, copying papers, and other fun things.
I enjoy it though. All of it. It makes me feel "hoppy". Get it? "Hoppy"??...Yeah okay. I may have lost you there.
Anywho, speaking of "hoppy", why don't you, my dear reader, join in on my Blog Hop/Link Up and add yourself to the linky tool list (BELOW)..Just follow the directions and have a wonderful day, my friends!
Yes, friends, it is looming upon me and all of the city schools (but one, which an all-year-around school). SPRING BREAK!!!!
But today, it's volunteering day at school. I get to "hide" the eggs for the PC named "Spring Egg Hunt" and prep everything for the "Spring Break Party" later in the afternoon. Otherwise, it's an easy-peasy kinda day. Which usually is not an easy day, filled with reading groups, copying papers, and other fun things.
I enjoy it though. All of it. It makes me feel "hoppy". Get it? "Hoppy"??...Yeah okay. I may have lost you there.
Anywho, speaking of "hoppy", why don't you, my dear reader, join in on my Blog Hop/Link Up and add yourself to the linky tool list (BELOW)..Just follow the directions and have a wonderful day, my friends!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Valentines Day
Count me out for having a NICE and a ROMANTIC, or a QUIET Valentines Day.
Prospects for keeping the kids is pretty much nil.
Almost $1,000 is going to repairing the van and having the inspection actually pass (thanks to the stupid AIR BAG LIGHT being on still three years later..but NOW suddenly doesn't let the thing pass).
By the end of the day on Monday, I'll most likely even be too tired to go anywhere anyways, being I will have a pretty full day of pulling extra volunteer time at the school.
I started. Enough said there. So my "emotional state" is in an "I don't give a damn" mode.
So as you can see, my Valentines Day is shot and the "big day" isn't even here yet.
Prospects for keeping the kids is pretty much nil.
Almost $1,000 is going to repairing the van and having the inspection actually pass (thanks to the stupid AIR BAG LIGHT being on still three years later..but NOW suddenly doesn't let the thing pass).
By the end of the day on Monday, I'll most likely even be too tired to go anywhere anyways, being I will have a pretty full day of pulling extra volunteer time at the school.
I started. Enough said there. So my "emotional state" is in an "I don't give a damn" mode.
So as you can see, my Valentines Day is shot and the "big day" isn't even here yet.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Week One Down... 2 1/2 More To Go.
Technically, it's another two weeks. But us parents count in the weekends as well. Not just Monday through Friday.
It all started at about 1:00 on Wednesday, December 22nd. It will not end until January 18th of the new year.
What is that, you ask? Winter-freaking-Break! Three (by their counting standards) weeks of hellish holiday bliss.
The counties surrounding our city will all go back next week. I think on Wednesday. Or is it Tuesday? Oh who knows! All I know is that we WON'T be included.
Thanks to the lovely budget cuts, in part due to the fact that there was a severe deficit in the 2009-2010 school year (thanks to "accounting officials" that apparently cannot add or subtract) this school year had to take a budgeting hit. This meant going on to a "College Schedule" and having the same break times as the secondary level schools.
Also, city schools have an extra twenty minutes added to their school day. We still go five days a week though. And also, there are only two "teacher workdays" penciled in for the entire school year.
So, you can imagine how much fun this first week has gone. Especially with all of the holiday hullabaloo.
Sure! The kids were (for the most part) complete gems when Christmas came and gone. Plus I booted my oldest daughter over to her father's on Christmas day afternoon.
We had "split" the day this year, seeing as he was a no call/no show last year (though it was HIS Christmas to have her). I may be a bitch in his eyes, but he apparently is like a kid in that respect. All is good and well as long as HE gets what HE wants. And for the record, I OFFERED TO SPLIT with him.
We also are now almost completely done piecing the house back together post-Christmas. Yes, even BOTH trees are down. But the two younger kids are giving me more gray hairs. Like I need anymore, right?
There are times that I just want to bang those two's heads together and tell them to shut it up. All they do is fuss at one another, pick on one another, Bryce is constantly trying to "parent" Skyler (which I have been trying VERY hard for the last like year to break), and they are just generally grating one another's nerves.
All of that makes MY nerves quiver. Add in that the oldest will come back home (more than likely) with a shitty attitude and the need to be bitchy to her siblings, and it's going to once again be a five-ring circus.
In the end, I will be SOOOOOOO happy when school lets back in and I can once again see them get on the bus (or walk, as the older two do on the 'warmer' days).
Hell, on their first day back, the following is what I plan on posting on my FaceBook (via Status Shuffle)...
"It's the most wonderful time of the year ... ahhh ... The sound of the school bus pulling away with all the little inmates screaming!"
I love my kids. It doesn't mean that I always have to like living with them. So once school starts up again, I think that my stress level will finally go back to normal levels. But until then, it's going to take lots of coffee and wine to calm these nerves.
It all started at about 1:00 on Wednesday, December 22nd. It will not end until January 18th of the new year.
What is that, you ask? Winter-freaking-Break! Three (by their counting standards) weeks of hellish holiday bliss.
The counties surrounding our city will all go back next week. I think on Wednesday. Or is it Tuesday? Oh who knows! All I know is that we WON'T be included.
Thanks to the lovely budget cuts, in part due to the fact that there was a severe deficit in the 2009-2010 school year (thanks to "accounting officials" that apparently cannot add or subtract) this school year had to take a budgeting hit. This meant going on to a "College Schedule" and having the same break times as the secondary level schools.
Also, city schools have an extra twenty minutes added to their school day. We still go five days a week though. And also, there are only two "teacher workdays" penciled in for the entire school year.
So, you can imagine how much fun this first week has gone. Especially with all of the holiday hullabaloo.
Sure! The kids were (for the most part) complete gems when Christmas came and gone. Plus I booted my oldest daughter over to her father's on Christmas day afternoon.
We had "split" the day this year, seeing as he was a no call/no show last year (though it was HIS Christmas to have her). I may be a bitch in his eyes, but he apparently is like a kid in that respect. All is good and well as long as HE gets what HE wants. And for the record, I OFFERED TO SPLIT with him.
We also are now almost completely done piecing the house back together post-Christmas. Yes, even BOTH trees are down. But the two younger kids are giving me more gray hairs. Like I need anymore, right?
There are times that I just want to bang those two's heads together and tell them to shut it up. All they do is fuss at one another, pick on one another, Bryce is constantly trying to "parent" Skyler (which I have been trying VERY hard for the last like year to break), and they are just generally grating one another's nerves.
All of that makes MY nerves quiver. Add in that the oldest will come back home (more than likely) with a shitty attitude and the need to be bitchy to her siblings, and it's going to once again be a five-ring circus.
In the end, I will be SOOOOOOO happy when school lets back in and I can once again see them get on the bus (or walk, as the older two do on the 'warmer' days).
Hell, on their first day back, the following is what I plan on posting on my FaceBook (via Status Shuffle)...
"It's the most wonderful time of the year ... ahhh ... The sound of the school bus pulling away with all the little inmates screaming!"
I love my kids. It doesn't mean that I always have to like living with them. So once school starts up again, I think that my stress level will finally go back to normal levels. But until then, it's going to take lots of coffee and wine to calm these nerves.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Here we are! Finally to day 25 in our Christmas-themed special blog series. I hope that everyone has had fun reading, watching and listening to these last posts from almost a month.
It's been real. It's been fun. And I have enjoyed writing each piece.
But now, with Christmas day upon us, we have come to a close. So, I hope that you and your family have a very Merry, safe, fun, family filled and friend filled Christmas day.
With that said, I shall leave you with this...
It's been real. It's been fun. And I have enjoyed writing each piece.
But now, with Christmas day upon us, we have come to a close. So, I hope that you and your family have a very Merry, safe, fun, family filled and friend filled Christmas day.
With that said, I shall leave you with this...
Monday, December 20, 2010
25 Days of Christmas (Day 20)
For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.
*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.
On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
Thank God!! No more birds. At least for the time being. I'm about ready to go grab the nearest hunting rifle and go out hunting those dad-burned birds.
From... On The Eighth Day Of Christmas site.
On the Eighth Day of Christmas...Eight Maids A-Milking
The eight maids a-milking addresses two of the major themes of fifteenth and sixteenth century English celebrations and parties during the Christmas holidays – food and romance. What is a feast or party without food? Especially foods that are not common and are reserved for special occasions.
Until the advent of refrigeration, milk was not a common drink because it spoiled quickly. However, milk based products that did not spoil, such as cheese, sour milk (which is actually a cultured milk much like yogurt
and is neither sour tasting nor spoiled) and custards were prized treats. Cheese and sour milk are the result of processes that expose milk to so called friendly bacteria which convert the milk to a state where it can be preserved for a longer period and is also tasty. Custard is similar but this involves the cooking of the milk, which kills the harmful bacteria thereby extending the period during which it can be safely consumed.
The maids, of course, refer to the women who would milk the cows to obtain the milk in the first place. In times past milking of cows or goats was typically a job for women. However, the term maid is also the shortened form of maiden which is a young, unmarried, woman. By combining the images of maiden and milk (which can also bring to mind a woman's breasts), it is easy to get the idea that this particular gift has more to do with sex and romance than with cows.
The term eight maids a-milking evokes images of the food, especially the special holiday foods, to be enjoyed at this festive time of year as well as the possibilities for romance, both licit and illicit. While the people of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were not as prudish as the nineteenth century Victorians, there was still pressure, especially for women, to maintain a somewhat chaste image in public.
Young upper class (both merchant class and nobility) women were usually chaperoned when in public and when being courted by young men. However, during the Twelfth Night celebrations not only were many of the rules of behavior relaxed but the environment in which the parties were held provided opportunities to escape the watchful eyes of the public.
In the midst of a large group of people, many of them strangers, who were busy drinking, dancing and having a good time, it was easy to slip away from one's chaperon or spouse. Masked and costumed balls increased the opportunities for secret liaisons as well as providing additional means of denying your actions the next day. With candles and torches the sole source of lighting, it was often difficult to identify people across the room let alone in the numerous rooms and darkened alcoves found in the castles and large manor houses where the parties were held. The opportunities offered for some passionate time alone with a lover or a quick one night stand with a stranger were a major attraction of these parties.
*Please feel free to read the rest of the history at the above link to the site provided in regards to this day's subject.*
*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.
On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
Thank God!! No more birds. At least for the time being. I'm about ready to go grab the nearest hunting rifle and go out hunting those dad-burned birds.
From... On The Eighth Day Of Christmas site.
On the Eighth Day of Christmas...Eight Maids A-Milking
The eight maids a-milking addresses two of the major themes of fifteenth and sixteenth century English celebrations and parties during the Christmas holidays – food and romance. What is a feast or party without food? Especially foods that are not common and are reserved for special occasions.
Until the advent of refrigeration, milk was not a common drink because it spoiled quickly. However, milk based products that did not spoil, such as cheese, sour milk (which is actually a cultured milk much like yogurt
and is neither sour tasting nor spoiled) and custards were prized treats. Cheese and sour milk are the result of processes that expose milk to so called friendly bacteria which convert the milk to a state where it can be preserved for a longer period and is also tasty. Custard is similar but this involves the cooking of the milk, which kills the harmful bacteria thereby extending the period during which it can be safely consumed.
The maids, of course, refer to the women who would milk the cows to obtain the milk in the first place. In times past milking of cows or goats was typically a job for women. However, the term maid is also the shortened form of maiden which is a young, unmarried, woman. By combining the images of maiden and milk (which can also bring to mind a woman's breasts), it is easy to get the idea that this particular gift has more to do with sex and romance than with cows.
The term eight maids a-milking evokes images of the food, especially the special holiday foods, to be enjoyed at this festive time of year as well as the possibilities for romance, both licit and illicit. While the people of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were not as prudish as the nineteenth century Victorians, there was still pressure, especially for women, to maintain a somewhat chaste image in public.
Young upper class (both merchant class and nobility) women were usually chaperoned when in public and when being courted by young men. However, during the Twelfth Night celebrations not only were many of the rules of behavior relaxed but the environment in which the parties were held provided opportunities to escape the watchful eyes of the public.
In the midst of a large group of people, many of them strangers, who were busy drinking, dancing and having a good time, it was easy to slip away from one's chaperon or spouse. Masked and costumed balls increased the opportunities for secret liaisons as well as providing additional means of denying your actions the next day. With candles and torches the sole source of lighting, it was often difficult to identify people across the room let alone in the numerous rooms and darkened alcoves found in the castles and large manor houses where the parties were held. The opportunities offered for some passionate time alone with a lover or a quick one night stand with a stranger were a major attraction of these parties.
*Please feel free to read the rest of the history at the above link to the site provided in regards to this day's subject.*
Monday, December 13, 2010
25 Days of Christmas (Day 13)
"On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...A Partridge in a pear tree."
For these last twelve days, leading up to Christmas Day, I'll be piecing together the song's lines and explain as they come what each verse means and it's origins.
A Partridge in a pear tree...Hmm. We all know what a Pear Tree is. But what in the world is a "Partridge"? No goofy! I'm not talking about the Partridge Family (think David Cassidy and his "I Think I Love You" crooner).
The "partridge" that I am talking about from the infamous Christmas Carol is this one...
Yes, it is a bird, folks. A Partridge Bird is what the first line of the song is speaking of.
A Partridge Bird is within the Pheasant family. They are non-migratory birds as well. In other words, they don't fly south for the winter. Partridges are medium in size.
The bird was initially referenced in 1780 in the book "Mirth Without Mischief" (author unknown).
As for it's placement within the famous Christmas Carol, "The Twelve Days Of Christmas", it was initially part of a GAME that a group of children (or adults) would play. The leader of the game would start off with the line, "On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... A Partridge in a Pear Tree". From there, the players would take turns building on to the lines. If there is a "mess up", then that first player that does so must forfeit. And the game is deemed over.
The line was around though, long before the game or the song. So, we may never know it's core history in its entirety.
Find more info here...
Partridge Birds
Partridge in a Pear Tree History
For these last twelve days, leading up to Christmas Day, I'll be piecing together the song's lines and explain as they come what each verse means and it's origins.
A Partridge in a pear tree...Hmm. We all know what a Pear Tree is. But what in the world is a "Partridge"? No goofy! I'm not talking about the Partridge Family (think David Cassidy and his "I Think I Love You" crooner).
The "partridge" that I am talking about from the infamous Christmas Carol is this one...
Yes, it is a bird, folks. A Partridge Bird is what the first line of the song is speaking of.
A Partridge Bird is within the Pheasant family. They are non-migratory birds as well. In other words, they don't fly south for the winter. Partridges are medium in size.
The bird was initially referenced in 1780 in the book "Mirth Without Mischief" (author unknown).
As for it's placement within the famous Christmas Carol, "The Twelve Days Of Christmas", it was initially part of a GAME that a group of children (or adults) would play. The leader of the game would start off with the line, "On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... A Partridge in a Pear Tree". From there, the players would take turns building on to the lines. If there is a "mess up", then that first player that does so must forfeit. And the game is deemed over.
The line was around though, long before the game or the song. So, we may never know it's core history in its entirety.
Find more info here...
Partridge Birds
Partridge in a Pear Tree History
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
25 Days of Christmas (Day 8)
Wordless Wednesday... The Tree Trimming & Decorating. They may not be completely in order, so bear with me. (=
This is the tree at my children's school. One of the Pre-K Teacher Assistance used to do decorating for Macy's and other Department stores. So, they asked her to trim the school tree.
5th Grade is practicing for their upcoming Holiday Play (this Thursday evening!)
Before the mass decorating started.
If only it were *just* these three boxes. But...
Here comes Dad with the big, main Christmas Tree!!
Just think, those boxes in that corner have ALL been emptied! Including ones you cannot see behind my chair (that got moved down stairs to make room).
Miss Skyler is rocking out to "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree". Good pick, kid!
NOW do you see just how much crap we have to put up? And just think MORE will be added for NEXT year once CLEARANCE sales start.
A deco piece in my dining room.
Also in the dining room. Main wall, left side.
And the right side, of course...
My "nook" area's decorations.
The "glassless" glass cabinet (that is missing the FRONT piece of glass) also gets pretties placed in to it for Christmas.
Skyler has a "new" sweater and shirt that is Christmas themed, that was tucked in to a box. Hayley USED TO wear these just a couple years ago.
Speaking of Hayley...
I even have my very own Cindy Lou Who!! Can't you see the resemblance?
This tree is downstairs in the Basement Foyer. The kids got to decorate this one ANY way that they wishes, seeing as it is THEIR tree.
The finished product with the lights out...
The main tree in the upstairs living room with lights out, finished.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
25 Days of Christmas (Day 5)
Today's post will be talking about the history and the origin of what is now a primarily Christian tradition.
"The True Origin Of Christmas"
Christmas traditions date back to the days of Pagan practices. In fact that is where Christmas truly started. And it had nothing to do with Jesus Christ, or His birth.
It was originally an ancient winter festival, the feast of the Son of Isis which was celebrated on December 25th. Partying, drinking and gift exchanging were all a part of the yearly holiday.
Over in Rome, they celebrated the Winter Solstice. That was celebrated many years before Jesus was ever born. The holiday at the time was called Saturnalia, where Saturn was honored as the god of Agriculture. In January they also celebrated Kalends, which celebrated triumph over death. It's entire season was named Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun. In ancient Rome, Mummers would dress up and go around the neighborhoods, singing songs. From this "caroling" was given it's birth.
Over in northern Europe many of the traditions were believed to be of Christian worship in it's origins. These to were started long before Jesus Christ came on to the scene. The Pagans of the north celebrated their winter solstice named Yule. Yule was symbolic of the pagan Sun God, Mithras, being born, and was observed on the shortest day of the year. The custom included lighting candles and hope that Mithras and the sun would make an appearance the following year.
Yule logs at this time that were pretty big in size were burned in honor of the sun. Yule's meaning is "wheel". The wheel is a Pagan symbol representing the sun. Mistletoe was considered a sacred plant, and the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began as a fertility ritual.
As for the tree which in our current tradition of celebrating Christmas, it is the one symbol that has been able to united almost all the northern European winter solstices. The evergreen trees were brought home and werea reminder to the people that their crops will grow again once more. The Druids used the tree as a religious symbol, holding their sacred ceremonies while surrounding and worshiping huge trees.
Finally, in 350 AD, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25. In doing so, even with no record of the exact date or time of the year Christ was born, though it is strongly believed to be within the Autumn months, the thought of a conversion to Christianity went more smoothly and people were not AS apprehensive. Seeing as their traditions of Paganism were not (at least completely) stripped away.
Christmas as we know it today, most historians agree, began in Germany, though Catholics and Lutherans still disagree about which church celebrated it first.
The earliest record of an evergreen being decorated in a Christian celebration was in 1521 in the Alsace region of Germany.
I encourage those that read this, and have the ability to do so, to watch the 5-part video series about the historical aspects of Christmas from History Channel.
Information for this post to be made possible provided by...
Christmas Pagan Origins
"The True Origin Of Christmas"
Christmas traditions date back to the days of Pagan practices. In fact that is where Christmas truly started. And it had nothing to do with Jesus Christ, or His birth.
It was originally an ancient winter festival, the feast of the Son of Isis which was celebrated on December 25th. Partying, drinking and gift exchanging were all a part of the yearly holiday.
Over in Rome, they celebrated the Winter Solstice. That was celebrated many years before Jesus was ever born. The holiday at the time was called Saturnalia, where Saturn was honored as the god of Agriculture. In January they also celebrated Kalends, which celebrated triumph over death. It's entire season was named Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun. In ancient Rome, Mummers would dress up and go around the neighborhoods, singing songs. From this "caroling" was given it's birth.
Over in northern Europe many of the traditions were believed to be of Christian worship in it's origins. These to were started long before Jesus Christ came on to the scene. The Pagans of the north celebrated their winter solstice named Yule. Yule was symbolic of the pagan Sun God, Mithras, being born, and was observed on the shortest day of the year. The custom included lighting candles and hope that Mithras and the sun would make an appearance the following year.
Yule logs at this time that were pretty big in size were burned in honor of the sun. Yule's meaning is "wheel". The wheel is a Pagan symbol representing the sun. Mistletoe was considered a sacred plant, and the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began as a fertility ritual.
As for the tree which in our current tradition of celebrating Christmas, it is the one symbol that has been able to united almost all the northern European winter solstices. The evergreen trees were brought home and werea reminder to the people that their crops will grow again once more. The Druids used the tree as a religious symbol, holding their sacred ceremonies while surrounding and worshiping huge trees.
Finally, in 350 AD, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25. In doing so, even with no record of the exact date or time of the year Christ was born, though it is strongly believed to be within the Autumn months, the thought of a conversion to Christianity went more smoothly and people were not AS apprehensive. Seeing as their traditions of Paganism were not (at least completely) stripped away.
Christmas as we know it today, most historians agree, began in Germany, though Catholics and Lutherans still disagree about which church celebrated it first.
The earliest record of an evergreen being decorated in a Christian celebration was in 1521 in the Alsace region of Germany.
I encourage those that read this, and have the ability to do so, to watch the 5-part video series about the historical aspects of Christmas from History Channel.
Information for this post to be made possible provided by...
Christmas Pagan Origins
Thursday, December 2, 2010
25 Days of Christmas (Day 2)
For this installment, I wish to share my favorite Christmas themed movies and television shows. A couple are traditional that all of us as a family (as in myself, my husband and our kids) watch every year.
First up is... "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation".
I don't care how many times I have seen this one, I laugh until I cry EVERY single time that I watch it. You can't get a more dysfunctional and diverse family as the Griswold's. Plus it is nice to see my cousin Mae Questel, who was the ORIGINAL model and voice for Betty Boop as the crazy, "not-all-there" aunt.
Clark really knows how to put on a show of lights for Christmas to!! Especially when it blinds the neighbors and causes a neighborhood-wide power surge.
Next up is... "Home Alone".
This is no ordinary kid. After being left behind when the rest of his family leaves for Christmas vacation, a couple of burglars invade the home in the hopes of getting some goods. Only their enemy, a ten year old boy is proven to be way too smart for the bumbling pair.
Again, no matter how many times that I have watched "Home Alone" (or it's sequel) you just can't NOT laugh at the stupidity of two grown men being outwitted by a little kid with some of the BEST booby traps I have EVER seen made, and not getting killed in the process.
Now, let's move on to... "The Muppet's; A Christmas Carol".
With a kid-friendly twist on the Charles Dickens classic, this would be a family crowd pleaser. If you love the Muppets (I have since they were on the "Muppet Show"), then I can say you will certainly enjoy the antics and comedy that goes in to setting Scrooge straight.
Now for a family tradition.... "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas".
This has been a timeless classic for me to view since I was a small child. Now, I carry along the tradition in my home, with my children. It's one of those times where I share a bit about my mom with my kids and give them a small taste of what my holidays were like with her.
And I swear to you, my youngest, when put in a Santa hat and pink jammies, is a dead ringer for Cindy Lou Who!
Another classic for my time, and more along my enjoyment is... "Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol" (featuring the late George C. Scott).
I'll be the first to admit, I am not the black and white, golden age movies kind of girl. Only a few b&w movies will I watch. And those, I can count on one hand. And as for classics such as Mr. Scott's portrayal of Ebeneezer Scrooge, he ALMOST got ranked with the classics that I really don't care to see.
That is, until my dad forced me to watch it one year as a teen. I loved it from that point on. Sure it started a bit slow. But the acting, the effects (for it's time) and the cast selection, as well as how they screen played the story grabbed me in, and I was hooked for life.
I'm thinking that I am starting to see a trend here...
Last, but most certainly not least, and yet another family show that my kids watch with me every year is... "A Charlie Brown Christmas".
How can you NOT love Charlie Brown's heart, caring and warmth in finding the "perfect" Christmas tree? All of his friends (Linus, Marcy, Peppermint Patty, etc.) all claim that Charlie Brown will do as he always does... screw up.
In the end, yeah, they are kind of correct. He does screw up. He gets the scrawniest, littlest, weakest tree because there were no other "good" trees available on Christmas. But in the end the gang learned a valuable lesson.
Less is more. It's the meaning, not the actual thing that counts. And something ugly can in turn be one of the most beautiful things of all.
So, there ends my Christmas time favorite movies and shows. Feel free to add your list as well to the comments. Or better yet, try jumping in and doing a "25 Days Of Christmas" with me! It's not too late to join in the fun.
See you all tomorrow!
First up is... "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation".
I don't care how many times I have seen this one, I laugh until I cry EVERY single time that I watch it. You can't get a more dysfunctional and diverse family as the Griswold's. Plus it is nice to see my cousin Mae Questel, who was the ORIGINAL model and voice for Betty Boop as the crazy, "not-all-there" aunt.
Clark really knows how to put on a show of lights for Christmas to!! Especially when it blinds the neighbors and causes a neighborhood-wide power surge.
Next up is... "Home Alone".
This is no ordinary kid. After being left behind when the rest of his family leaves for Christmas vacation, a couple of burglars invade the home in the hopes of getting some goods. Only their enemy, a ten year old boy is proven to be way too smart for the bumbling pair.
Again, no matter how many times that I have watched "Home Alone" (or it's sequel) you just can't NOT laugh at the stupidity of two grown men being outwitted by a little kid with some of the BEST booby traps I have EVER seen made, and not getting killed in the process.
Now, let's move on to... "The Muppet's; A Christmas Carol".
With a kid-friendly twist on the Charles Dickens classic, this would be a family crowd pleaser. If you love the Muppets (I have since they were on the "Muppet Show"), then I can say you will certainly enjoy the antics and comedy that goes in to setting Scrooge straight.
Now for a family tradition.... "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas".
This has been a timeless classic for me to view since I was a small child. Now, I carry along the tradition in my home, with my children. It's one of those times where I share a bit about my mom with my kids and give them a small taste of what my holidays were like with her.
And I swear to you, my youngest, when put in a Santa hat and pink jammies, is a dead ringer for Cindy Lou Who!
Another classic for my time, and more along my enjoyment is... "Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol" (featuring the late George C. Scott).
I'll be the first to admit, I am not the black and white, golden age movies kind of girl. Only a few b&w movies will I watch. And those, I can count on one hand. And as for classics such as Mr. Scott's portrayal of Ebeneezer Scrooge, he ALMOST got ranked with the classics that I really don't care to see.
That is, until my dad forced me to watch it one year as a teen. I loved it from that point on. Sure it started a bit slow. But the acting, the effects (for it's time) and the cast selection, as well as how they screen played the story grabbed me in, and I was hooked for life.
I'm thinking that I am starting to see a trend here...
Last, but most certainly not least, and yet another family show that my kids watch with me every year is... "A Charlie Brown Christmas".
How can you NOT love Charlie Brown's heart, caring and warmth in finding the "perfect" Christmas tree? All of his friends (Linus, Marcy, Peppermint Patty, etc.) all claim that Charlie Brown will do as he always does... screw up.
In the end, yeah, they are kind of correct. He does screw up. He gets the scrawniest, littlest, weakest tree because there were no other "good" trees available on Christmas. But in the end the gang learned a valuable lesson.
Less is more. It's the meaning, not the actual thing that counts. And something ugly can in turn be one of the most beautiful things of all.
So, there ends my Christmas time favorite movies and shows. Feel free to add your list as well to the comments. Or better yet, try jumping in and doing a "25 Days Of Christmas" with me! It's not too late to join in the fun.
See you all tomorrow!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
25 Days of Christmas (Day 1)
And so it begins. Time to break out the holly and the lights. Time to place Santa and nativity in the yards.
And also, my first series in the Blogosphere begins. I can only hope that it will make jolly for my readers (with a tear or two trickling down your cheek from time to time).
Today, I'm touching on "Memories of Christmases Past".
When I was little Christmas was a big deal in my home, and within the extended family.
We decorated throughout the house. Hung Mistletoe, garland, lights and such. The tree was decked out in all kinds of ornaments, with any of my school-made-by-hand crafts at the forefront of the tree.
All the neighborhood kids would come over each year to our home for a Christmas Party, and Santa (who changed looks every year) would take gift requests from us children.
Then, we would also visit my Aunt (Mom's sister) and Uncle. Some of my Grandma's sisters would travel to California to spend time with one another and with their nieces and nephews. And there was my cousin Don, who stood at almost seven feet tall. He would hoist me on his shoulders and I could touch my head to the ceiling without even trying or "reaching" for it.
Sadly, pretty much most of them are now dead. Don fell victim to Lou Gehrig's Disease. All of my Great Aunts have passed due to old age or health problems. My Uncle is now gone, thanks to cancer.
But those family gatherings fell apart after my Grandmother's death. And even more so, after Mom's passing. Gone were the days of smiles, love and laughter.
Even in my home. Christmas was never really the same. Much more quiet and reserved. My family is gone now for the most part. All I have left is my Dad. And he is almost 3,000 miles from here.
Sure, I have my husband. I have his side of the family. And yes, we do Christmas big on that end these days. But it's not the same thing. They aren't MY family. Yes, I am "married in" and a part of the family.But still, it doesn't have the same... "meaning" as sharing the love, laughter and holidays, as it does with YOUR family. YOUR loved ones.
So, I am ensuring that the few traditions that my Mom had for me (as an only child) are passed along through me to my kids. Such as the yearly viewing of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Merry Christmas Charlie Brown". As well as hanging the hand-made ornaments from my kids on the tree.
Plus, I have an ornament (and wish to add to them, seeing as the kids have grown greatly and their tastes have changed) for each of my children of cartoon characters that they enjoyed when little. And of course, I hang their "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments.
When I have grandkids, I hope to pass along the tradition to my kids to do the same.
I may no longer have the family I once did due to several heartbreaking circumstances that plagued us when I was young, but I still have my memories of beautiful Christmas times with my family when we were all happy and loved one another (seemingly) unconditionally.
And no one, family, friend or foe can take those times away from me.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Handicap Parking & The "Not So" Disabled
I know a while back somewhere along the line, I had touched on this subject. But seeing as I hate "recycling" posts and honestly, I really don't wish to go through my previous 192 posts to find the sucker, I shall write about Handicap Parking Spaces...again.
Thanks to someone I follow on Twitter, who shall remain nameless (and genderless) as to protect their identity, the subject has once more come to me, especially with Christmas shopping in full swing and the fact that some shoppers can be real humbugs about parking lots and parking spaces.
My Mother and Father-In-Law both have poor health. Primarily my Mother-In-Law. She has Systemic Lupus. Systemic Lupus affects all the main organs (including lungs and heart), as well as muscles throughout the body. She literally is drained even after a short shopping trip for groceries. It doesn't take much for her to tire out or to bruise, or get sore throughout her body.
When she goes to public places, she parks in Handicap stalls. She looks fine. She walks fine. She sees and hears just fine. She walks (for the most part) fine. But indeed, she IS legally disabled.
No one can see (unless you REALLY know her, or of her condition) her internal handicap. Her illness that is tucked within her own body.
So, when she climbs out of her van and starts walking "normally" in to the store, I have been witness to a few stares and sneers. People in general think that she is just being lazy.
Yes, she is heavy set (not fat), but that is NOT due to being "lazy" or over eating, seeing as she has to watch her intake, due to her Colostomy Bag (that she craps in to, having only two INCHES of her colon, thanks to cancer). The Lupus plays with your weight as well.
And it can mess up her breathing. After a while, you can hear her breaths get heavier, as she tires. Hence why her trips to the store are as minimal as she can make them.
When I was little (as in a toddler), I was allowed to be on "Day Trips" from the hospital (for new readers, I didn't go home until I was almost 3 YEARS old, due to many medical problems at birth). My parents had a Handicap Sticker to use when I was with them, seeing as I had to have my medical equipment close by in the car in case I had a breathing situation (a suctioning machine for my trache).
An elderly lady called the police on my parents (I know I spoke of this last time lol) because she didn't see where any of us were handicapped and "required" a spot for those that were REALLY handicapped.
Needless to say, my parents were caught off guard when a Police Officer side stepped them inside the store and let them know what was transpiring. After hearing this, my mother took me (in the cart) and walked off to "cool down" after eying the lady that made the report.
My poor dad. He had to take the officer outside and SHOW HIM the equipment, sitting there on the floorboard of the back seat area of the car. The Police Officer thanked him and apologized for the intrusion and the trouble (as well as the embarrassment) that the situation caused.
After going back inside, the officer pulled the lady aside and let her have it for being a nosy old bag. He even took HER to see that INDEED I was LEGALLY afforded that spot and why. Also, she got a better look at ME, sitting in the cart and started to cry (by my understanding of what my dad said), all the while apologizing to my parents.
My mother walked off without accepting the apology, due to the humiliation and the rudeness of the woman in the first place. Plus, it kept Mom from wanting to punch the old woman (by what was told).
So, the next time you see someone parking in a designated Handicap spot, don't be so quick to judge by their outward appearance. You don't know their full medical history and what may be going on internally.
Believe me when I say that there are days when I really wish I had a sticker/plate due to my son and his "outbursts" (due to his mental disorders that LEGALLY make him 'disabled' by our state) that he has. I'd be able to get him out of where we are and out to the car MUCH quicker when an episode hits. Most of the time, we are parked most of the way towards the end of the lot area. Just my luck I guess.
Thanks to someone I follow on Twitter, who shall remain nameless (and genderless) as to protect their identity, the subject has once more come to me, especially with Christmas shopping in full swing and the fact that some shoppers can be real humbugs about parking lots and parking spaces.
My Mother and Father-In-Law both have poor health. Primarily my Mother-In-Law. She has Systemic Lupus. Systemic Lupus affects all the main organs (including lungs and heart), as well as muscles throughout the body. She literally is drained even after a short shopping trip for groceries. It doesn't take much for her to tire out or to bruise, or get sore throughout her body.
When she goes to public places, she parks in Handicap stalls. She looks fine. She walks fine. She sees and hears just fine. She walks (for the most part) fine. But indeed, she IS legally disabled.
No one can see (unless you REALLY know her, or of her condition) her internal handicap. Her illness that is tucked within her own body.
So, when she climbs out of her van and starts walking "normally" in to the store, I have been witness to a few stares and sneers. People in general think that she is just being lazy.
Yes, she is heavy set (not fat), but that is NOT due to being "lazy" or over eating, seeing as she has to watch her intake, due to her Colostomy Bag (that she craps in to, having only two INCHES of her colon, thanks to cancer). The Lupus plays with your weight as well.
And it can mess up her breathing. After a while, you can hear her breaths get heavier, as she tires. Hence why her trips to the store are as minimal as she can make them.
When I was little (as in a toddler), I was allowed to be on "Day Trips" from the hospital (for new readers, I didn't go home until I was almost 3 YEARS old, due to many medical problems at birth). My parents had a Handicap Sticker to use when I was with them, seeing as I had to have my medical equipment close by in the car in case I had a breathing situation (a suctioning machine for my trache).
An elderly lady called the police on my parents (I know I spoke of this last time lol) because she didn't see where any of us were handicapped and "required" a spot for those that were REALLY handicapped.
Needless to say, my parents were caught off guard when a Police Officer side stepped them inside the store and let them know what was transpiring. After hearing this, my mother took me (in the cart) and walked off to "cool down" after eying the lady that made the report.
My poor dad. He had to take the officer outside and SHOW HIM the equipment, sitting there on the floorboard of the back seat area of the car. The Police Officer thanked him and apologized for the intrusion and the trouble (as well as the embarrassment) that the situation caused.
After going back inside, the officer pulled the lady aside and let her have it for being a nosy old bag. He even took HER to see that INDEED I was LEGALLY afforded that spot and why. Also, she got a better look at ME, sitting in the cart and started to cry (by my understanding of what my dad said), all the while apologizing to my parents.
My mother walked off without accepting the apology, due to the humiliation and the rudeness of the woman in the first place. Plus, it kept Mom from wanting to punch the old woman (by what was told).
So, the next time you see someone parking in a designated Handicap spot, don't be so quick to judge by their outward appearance. You don't know their full medical history and what may be going on internally.
Believe me when I say that there are days when I really wish I had a sticker/plate due to my son and his "outbursts" (due to his mental disorders that LEGALLY make him 'disabled' by our state) that he has. I'd be able to get him out of where we are and out to the car MUCH quicker when an episode hits. Most of the time, we are parked most of the way towards the end of the lot area. Just my luck I guess.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving Thankfulness; Going Above & Beyond Family & Friends
It's that time of year again. Time for turkeys to be carved, stuffing and pie to well, stuff you silly and ready for the Christmas holiday sales.
It's also a time for reflection and truly being thankful for all you have and those that are in your life. Sure, I have the basics. Thankful for my husband and kids, for having a sturdy roof over my head, warm blankets, a van that still runs good.
But there is SO much more to be thankful for. Like knowing that I live in a country where even though I respect my President/leader, I won't be shot and killed or imprisoned for stating that I don't care for him and how he is "leading" the country.
And I'm thankful for my son's doctor who has helped over the last several years to finally help him find balance mentally and has helped me ensure that he is getting the proper treatments and therapies for his problems.
I'm thankful for the teachers that my children have this school year. They all have "Homeroom" teachers that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to teach these kids and not let them fall behind.
I'm thankful for my husband who goes and slaves away in a freezer for eight to ten hours a day as to let other families place food on their tables. He works so hard and diligently to give our kids what they need, sometimes what they want and to ensure we have a good home to live within.
I'm thankful for my kids. Each of them have such a uniqueness about them. All three have personalities so differing that their individuality keeps me on my toes every second of every day. Before them, my life was pretty "boring". They have all brought me new life and new ways each day of how to look at life as a whole.
I'm thankful to my Cornea Donor, and his or her family. Because for a second Thanksgiving/Christmas season, I have the ability to watch my children enjoy the holidays with both eyes wide open.
So, besides the basic "thankful for's", what are you truly THANKFUL for? Or whom are you truly thankful for? When you sit down and think about it, so many people can touch one person's life. But it takes a very special person or persons to touch your very soul.
Other than your kids, of course.
It's also a time for reflection and truly being thankful for all you have and those that are in your life. Sure, I have the basics. Thankful for my husband and kids, for having a sturdy roof over my head, warm blankets, a van that still runs good.
But there is SO much more to be thankful for. Like knowing that I live in a country where even though I respect my President/leader, I won't be shot and killed or imprisoned for stating that I don't care for him and how he is "leading" the country.
And I'm thankful for my son's doctor who has helped over the last several years to finally help him find balance mentally and has helped me ensure that he is getting the proper treatments and therapies for his problems.
I'm thankful for the teachers that my children have this school year. They all have "Homeroom" teachers that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to teach these kids and not let them fall behind.
I'm thankful for my husband who goes and slaves away in a freezer for eight to ten hours a day as to let other families place food on their tables. He works so hard and diligently to give our kids what they need, sometimes what they want and to ensure we have a good home to live within.
I'm thankful for my kids. Each of them have such a uniqueness about them. All three have personalities so differing that their individuality keeps me on my toes every second of every day. Before them, my life was pretty "boring". They have all brought me new life and new ways each day of how to look at life as a whole.
I'm thankful to my Cornea Donor, and his or her family. Because for a second Thanksgiving/Christmas season, I have the ability to watch my children enjoy the holidays with both eyes wide open.
So, besides the basic "thankful for's", what are you truly THANKFUL for? Or whom are you truly thankful for? When you sit down and think about it, so many people can touch one person's life. But it takes a very special person or persons to touch your very soul.
Other than your kids, of course.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Trick Or Treating, Religious Convictions and "The Walking Dead"
Good morning post-Halloween, everyone! I hope that those that were able to, had a wonderful time trick-or-treating with their goblins and ghouls. It's one of the two favorite holidays of mine personally. The other being Christmas.
For most of my area here in Central Virginia (Lynchburg area), the children were able to Trick-Or-Treat on actual Halloween night. But there were a few areas that decided to either hold the holiday tradition on Saturday night, or wait until tonight (Monday) for them to go candy hunting due to Halloween falling on a Sunday this year.
Speaking of Trick-Or-Treating on an alternate night other than Halloween, I had become accustomed to the fact for a while when I had lived in Nevada "back in the day" of my late teens and early twenties. Nevada Day falls on Halloween. And so, being that there are many more tourists in town and also other big celebrations, along with parades, the state usually had them TOTing on the night before Halloween.
This year though, I had found out, thanks to my father that the children of (at least) their area were able to go candy collecting on the actual Halloween this year.
It should be this way everywhere. Personally, I do not see where a separate state or town should have ANY right to tell me and my kids that we cannot Trick-Or-Treat on Halloween if it falls on a Sunday. In other words, you are disgracing God by celebrating an "evil, Pagan ritualistic" holiday on the Lord's Day. And to a SMALL amount of people, it's not "right", so they want the date changed.
If YOUR Christian faith makes you feel convicted to not pass out goodies or let YOUR children Trick-r-Treat, then so be it. Do something more faith based or just keep your light off for the night and be a shut-in. But why ruin the evening for everyone else in your area by boo-hooing to City/County Counsel and force them to change for YOUR benefit of YOUR religious beliefs?
Whatever happened to "Separation of Church and State"? Does that not also apply to holidays where what may not be right for you, may just be okay with others around you? Personally, I think it is rather childish to cry foul over a freaking holiday. Just remember, Christmas is coming. And I can bet you, the ones that are "Jesus Freaks" to the fullest extent are gonna bitch to high heaven if a SMALL percentage of non-believers make a stink over the fact that religious symbols in a department store selling Christmas items.
You cannot have your cake and eat it too, people! Halloween, just like Christmas and Easter should be celebrated by the majority ON THE GIVEN DAY that it was intended to be celebrated. So what if it fell on a Sunday? Do you honestly think that God will think more of you for STILL celebrating that Pagan Holiday on any other day than Sunday? Wrong is still wrong when participating in "evil things" on ANY day of the week. Remember that.
Now, on to the next thing, seeing as I killed two birds with one stone. I feel like I'm on a roll today.
Let's talk about the new show on AMC (American Movie Classics channel). It's called "The Walking Dead". A deputy is shot and is in a coma for a chunk of time. When he wakes up, his world is completely different. In fact, deadly different. As in the walking dead different.
In the opening scene, a little girl is slowly walking as the deputy (post-hospital stint) sees her feet from under a vehicle, wearing bunny slippers. Her back is to him and when she turns around, you can see the severe bite mark on her face. She runs at him, hungry for flesh. He shoots her right in between the eyes and of course kills her for the final time.
As the show's premier episode kept on going, we got the back story of three (alive) characters and also we were able to view some pretty gruesome scenes of half or mostly eaten victims, including fellow zombies. Let's just say that all in all, NOTHING was really left to the imagination with this episode. Including the deputy's horse being torn apart and eaten by a hoard of ravishingly hungry walking poke-alongs.
As gruesome and grotesque as this show is, and knowing that it WILL GET much more graphic as the series moves along in it's rookie season, I personally do not feel that "The Walking Dead" should be on a channel such as American Movie Classics channel (AMC). It does not "fit" with the theme and feel of the channel its self. I see this show as more for the likes of HBO or Showtime. Mainly due to the show's EXTREMELY graphic nature.
"The Walking Dead" is most certainly not a television show for the faint of heart, nor for the squeamish of stomach. Some scenes even grossed ME out pretty bad. That's saying A LOT for me, if you know my taste in horror and thriller films.
So be warned my friends. If you cannot handle lots of blood, guts and gore, then I highly recommend that you do NOT watch "The Walking Dead".
For most of my area here in Central Virginia (Lynchburg area), the children were able to Trick-Or-Treat on actual Halloween night. But there were a few areas that decided to either hold the holiday tradition on Saturday night, or wait until tonight (Monday) for them to go candy hunting due to Halloween falling on a Sunday this year.
Speaking of Trick-Or-Treating on an alternate night other than Halloween, I had become accustomed to the fact for a while when I had lived in Nevada "back in the day" of my late teens and early twenties. Nevada Day falls on Halloween. And so, being that there are many more tourists in town and also other big celebrations, along with parades, the state usually had them TOTing on the night before Halloween.
This year though, I had found out, thanks to my father that the children of (at least) their area were able to go candy collecting on the actual Halloween this year.
It should be this way everywhere. Personally, I do not see where a separate state or town should have ANY right to tell me and my kids that we cannot Trick-Or-Treat on Halloween if it falls on a Sunday. In other words, you are disgracing God by celebrating an "evil, Pagan ritualistic" holiday on the Lord's Day. And to a SMALL amount of people, it's not "right", so they want the date changed.
If YOUR Christian faith makes you feel convicted to not pass out goodies or let YOUR children Trick-r-Treat, then so be it. Do something more faith based or just keep your light off for the night and be a shut-in. But why ruin the evening for everyone else in your area by boo-hooing to City/County Counsel and force them to change for YOUR benefit of YOUR religious beliefs?
Whatever happened to "Separation of Church and State"? Does that not also apply to holidays where what may not be right for you, may just be okay with others around you? Personally, I think it is rather childish to cry foul over a freaking holiday. Just remember, Christmas is coming. And I can bet you, the ones that are "Jesus Freaks" to the fullest extent are gonna bitch to high heaven if a SMALL percentage of non-believers make a stink over the fact that religious symbols in a department store selling Christmas items.
You cannot have your cake and eat it too, people! Halloween, just like Christmas and Easter should be celebrated by the majority ON THE GIVEN DAY that it was intended to be celebrated. So what if it fell on a Sunday? Do you honestly think that God will think more of you for STILL celebrating that Pagan Holiday on any other day than Sunday? Wrong is still wrong when participating in "evil things" on ANY day of the week. Remember that.
Now, on to the next thing, seeing as I killed two birds with one stone. I feel like I'm on a roll today.
Let's talk about the new show on AMC (American Movie Classics channel). It's called "The Walking Dead". A deputy is shot and is in a coma for a chunk of time. When he wakes up, his world is completely different. In fact, deadly different. As in the walking dead different.
In the opening scene, a little girl is slowly walking as the deputy (post-hospital stint) sees her feet from under a vehicle, wearing bunny slippers. Her back is to him and when she turns around, you can see the severe bite mark on her face. She runs at him, hungry for flesh. He shoots her right in between the eyes and of course kills her for the final time.
As the show's premier episode kept on going, we got the back story of three (alive) characters and also we were able to view some pretty gruesome scenes of half or mostly eaten victims, including fellow zombies. Let's just say that all in all, NOTHING was really left to the imagination with this episode. Including the deputy's horse being torn apart and eaten by a hoard of ravishingly hungry walking poke-alongs.
As gruesome and grotesque as this show is, and knowing that it WILL GET much more graphic as the series moves along in it's rookie season, I personally do not feel that "The Walking Dead" should be on a channel such as American Movie Classics channel (AMC). It does not "fit" with the theme and feel of the channel its self. I see this show as more for the likes of HBO or Showtime. Mainly due to the show's EXTREMELY graphic nature.
"The Walking Dead" is most certainly not a television show for the faint of heart, nor for the squeamish of stomach. Some scenes even grossed ME out pretty bad. That's saying A LOT for me, if you know my taste in horror and thriller films.
So be warned my friends. If you cannot handle lots of blood, guts and gore, then I highly recommend that you do NOT watch "The Walking Dead".
Saturday, October 30, 2010
One Year and Counting
Yesterday was filled with a lot of laughter, smiles and fun. But deep down, I knew exactly what the day was all about. Some of it, sad. While, for the most part, good.
I'd spent the entire school day in my youngest daughter's Kindergarten class. We carved real pumpkins in "teams". Then we did a ton of different crafts. Including my 'Jack-O-Lantern Jug' that they have an option to use as a candy collection jug for Trick-Or-Treating.
After trying to think of something to do to commemorate the special meaning of October 29th as being the Transplant Anniversary since having my new Cornea placed in, helping me to once more see, and even be able to keep the whole eye that at this time last year was ravaged with infection to the point is nearly impossible to save it, I think I found my way of honoring my Donor, their family and the significance of the day.
I had fun. I smiled. I played with the wonderful children I help every week in the classroom. I even danced with the kids at the Halloween Dance that was put on for them after school. I lived life as I always have. As a survivor of the hurdles I have had to face, and as the mother I was before my sight in the left eye was robbed, thanks to infection and an accident.
As I sit here and think back about the past week, I honestly cannot think of a better way to thank and honor such a gift, or the Donor that gave of themselves. To live my life. Be happy. To be the mother that I was meant to be to my children. To be the wife I have striven to be for my husband for the past eight years of our marriage. To be the friend that I have always been or have to tried to have been to others.
My donor gave me what was robbed of me in a matter of seconds. Even though apparently, the damage was already severely done over the prior months before. But it took just one accidental poke with my own knuckle to complete what the infection set out to do. To take away my sight completely from my left eye.
Almost a month later, my Donor gave me their cornea, thanks to their loving gift at the end of their life, and to sheer luck that one was readily available to fit my needs.
At first, it killed me inside to know that I had to have someone die to let me live my life as I have always known. I had "Survivor's Guilt". Especially when Thanksgiving and Christmas came around. I knew that as I sat down to dinner and opening gifts, another family was sitting around grieving and wishing that their loved one was still here to enjoy life and the holidays with.
Now that the year has come along, and I am pretty much back to normal like before all of this had happened, I no longer try to think about things in a "sad way". I know deep within my heart, my Donor is happy with my getting back on with life and enjoying being a wife and a mother.
They gave me my life back. And for that, I will FOREVER be grateful. To them, and to their family. And I have realized, at least for me personally, the best way to honor them, not just on October 29th, but EVERY single day of the year, is to just live my life to the fullest capacity, smile as much as I can, and know that THEY TO know just how thankful that I am of the gift that they bravely and heroically gave to me.
I'd spent the entire school day in my youngest daughter's Kindergarten class. We carved real pumpkins in "teams". Then we did a ton of different crafts. Including my 'Jack-O-Lantern Jug' that they have an option to use as a candy collection jug for Trick-Or-Treating.
After trying to think of something to do to commemorate the special meaning of October 29th as being the Transplant Anniversary since having my new Cornea placed in, helping me to once more see, and even be able to keep the whole eye that at this time last year was ravaged with infection to the point is nearly impossible to save it, I think I found my way of honoring my Donor, their family and the significance of the day.
I had fun. I smiled. I played with the wonderful children I help every week in the classroom. I even danced with the kids at the Halloween Dance that was put on for them after school. I lived life as I always have. As a survivor of the hurdles I have had to face, and as the mother I was before my sight in the left eye was robbed, thanks to infection and an accident.
As I sit here and think back about the past week, I honestly cannot think of a better way to thank and honor such a gift, or the Donor that gave of themselves. To live my life. Be happy. To be the mother that I was meant to be to my children. To be the wife I have striven to be for my husband for the past eight years of our marriage. To be the friend that I have always been or have to tried to have been to others.
My donor gave me what was robbed of me in a matter of seconds. Even though apparently, the damage was already severely done over the prior months before. But it took just one accidental poke with my own knuckle to complete what the infection set out to do. To take away my sight completely from my left eye.
Almost a month later, my Donor gave me their cornea, thanks to their loving gift at the end of their life, and to sheer luck that one was readily available to fit my needs.
At first, it killed me inside to know that I had to have someone die to let me live my life as I have always known. I had "Survivor's Guilt". Especially when Thanksgiving and Christmas came around. I knew that as I sat down to dinner and opening gifts, another family was sitting around grieving and wishing that their loved one was still here to enjoy life and the holidays with.
Now that the year has come along, and I am pretty much back to normal like before all of this had happened, I no longer try to think about things in a "sad way". I know deep within my heart, my Donor is happy with my getting back on with life and enjoying being a wife and a mother.
They gave me my life back. And for that, I will FOREVER be grateful. To them, and to their family. And I have realized, at least for me personally, the best way to honor them, not just on October 29th, but EVERY single day of the year, is to just live my life to the fullest capacity, smile as much as I can, and know that THEY TO know just how thankful that I am of the gift that they bravely and heroically gave to me.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The REAL and the TRUE meaning of the holiday, Easter.
It's once again that time. Spring is blooming all around. Life is becoming anew once more. Birds are singing, grass is greening, flowers (and trees) are blooming.
There is a primary, universal symbol of Spring that is on the horizon as well. Easter. For many families (especially with small children), the "Easter Bunny" will be coming to town to sneakingly leave candy-filled eggs, baskets filled with goodies and to mark his place in holiday history and folklore.
But, what about the TRUE meaning of Easter? It has sadly lost it's REAL meaning among the masses.
The simplest of answers is that Jesus rose from the grave to go to Heaven. It is to celebrate that day that He has arisen.
But, let's delve deeper in to that simplicity, shall we?
7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
So, as you can see, the TRUE and the REAL meaning of Easter is not in candy, eggs, or worldly gifts of the flesh. It is of the soul/spirit of us and the Saving Grace that was given to us. It is of Jesus Christ symbolizing an embodiment of love and sacrifice. He gave of Himself, at His Holy Father's request to be the ultimate Sacrifice for us. He triumphed over the powers of death.
The Lord, our God gave all for us and our well being. He gave us a way in to Heaven. He arose and had beaten physical death to give us everlasting spiritual life with Him and our Father.
This is the real meaning of Easter....
There is a primary, universal symbol of Spring that is on the horizon as well. Easter. For many families (especially with small children), the "Easter Bunny" will be coming to town to sneakingly leave candy-filled eggs, baskets filled with goodies and to mark his place in holiday history and folklore.
But, what about the TRUE meaning of Easter? It has sadly lost it's REAL meaning among the masses.
The simplest of answers is that Jesus rose from the grave to go to Heaven. It is to celebrate that day that He has arisen.
But, let's delve deeper in to that simplicity, shall we?
1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (via http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+COR.15&version=NIV)
3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Peter,[b] and then to the Twelve. 6After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
If you look carefully at the RED, highlighted areas, we will be primarily concentrating on those key points.
God spoke to Jesus as he went off and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights and said to Him that Jesus was to be the "Sacrificial Lamb" to save all of humanity. So, Jesus had done as His Heavenly Father bequeathed of His Holy Son and went off to prepare the others as to what was to come.
Hence the Last Supper. Jesus told the Disciples that night that one of them would betray Him. Of course, as we all know, that became to be Peter. He denied Christ. All to save his own skin and in the end, Jesus was caught, tried by Pontius Pilate and convicted of baring False Witness to the masses, "claiming" to be the true Son of God.
After Pilate, ruler over the Roman empire at that time asked his subjects if Jesus should be spared, the crowd went wild and called for his execution, via being nailed to the cross. But SPARED the thief. All in the name of making Jesus an "example" of what happens to those that claim to be the Holy One of God.
Now, we all know what happened next. Jesus was nailed by His hands and His feet to a wooden cross. He was humiliated and had things thrown at Him. Finally, after HOURS upon the cross, He exclaimed, "It is finished!". Then, Jesus hung His head and gave His spirit to His Father.
After His death, Jesus was removed from the cross. But not before the spear was driven through His side to confirm that indeed Jesus was dead.
The next day was the Sabbath. So preparation and placing of the body had to be done quickly. For, no death preparations were to be made during Sabbath. Joseph pleaded to Pilate to let him have Jesus' remains. It was allowed.
Jesus then was taken to the tomb, accompanied by Nicodemus. There was brought myrrh, aloes, and other spices. His body was wrapped in fine linens. Then, He was anointed and the burial tomb was then sealed by a huge bolder that was rolled in front of the entrance.
When the two Marys came back to check on the tomb, to their amazement and disbelief, the tomb's entrance was uncovered, with the boulder setting off to the side. Someone somehow OPENED the tomb. As the Marys entered, they found no one there! Jesus was gone. They panicked. Simon Peter was told that Jesus was missing.
As Mary Magdalene wept, Jesus came to her and asked why she was weeping. Mary looked up, and to her amazement, saw Jesus Christ standing before her. The Lord then asked whom Mary was searching for. Being that Mary's back was turned, she did not realize it was Jesus standing by her. She turned and exclaimed "Teacher!"
Christ told Mary He had not yet returned to the Father, and to not "hold Him". He then sent her forth to tell the Disciples that Christ the Lord has arisen and returned from the grave.
Jesus then appeared to them on the "evening of the first day of the week" and had shown His followers the marks of His hands and of His feet as proof that it was indeed the Living Christ.
Then, He appeared to Thomas, who had still not believed that indeed the Lord God had arisen from His death and tomb. So, Thomas was instructed to place his hand upon Jesus' side. Then, Thomas believed that Jesus spoke the truth.
Jesus stayed with His Disciples for a bit, until God had called Him home. Then, the following happened...
(Acts 1:6-11.. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1&version=NIV)
6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
So, as you can see, the TRUE and the REAL meaning of Easter is not in candy, eggs, or worldly gifts of the flesh. It is of the soul/spirit of us and the Saving Grace that was given to us. It is of Jesus Christ symbolizing an embodiment of love and sacrifice. He gave of Himself, at His Holy Father's request to be the ultimate Sacrifice for us. He triumphed over the powers of death.
The Lord, our God gave all for us and our well being. He gave us a way in to Heaven. He arose and had beaten physical death to give us everlasting spiritual life with Him and our Father.
This is the real meaning of Easter....
Monday, January 4, 2010
Free at last! Finally, I'm free at last!!
It's party time!! Why? Because my kids are BACK TO SCHOOL!
Thank God. I thought for sure that someone soon was going to commit a Homicide in my home. And most likely that person was going to be ME.
Please don't get me wrong, I love my children dearly. I would gladly lay my life down for them in a heartbeat. But, there comes a time in every mother's life that you just want to ship them off and sail away to the Caribbean for a month or two. Hell, make it a year! We moms deserve that much.
The last two weeks have been busy. Christmas and New Years really needs to have a more spaced out time frame. I feel like I have aged another three years in these last couple of weeks.
Between Emergency Room visits, Grandma's house, baking til I about wanted to stick my self in the oven, and refereeing about every kind of fight imaginable, this old gal has had it.
Sadly though, there was a one hour delay for our school system. So, my kids didn't have to leave until 9:30 for the bus. I swear to you, I couldn't for the life of me get them out the door fast enough.
I actually pictured the cartoon of Bugs Bunny as he was trying to escape that hairy monster in the castle. He ran so hard, his little body got all puny and Bugs was sweating up a storm.
Then, the monster tried to break through the door and Bugs got it shut and locked once more. But only after having to hold it closed as the monster tried to force his way in.
When all was calm, Bugs Bunny sighed a fresh breath of relief.
This morning, I was Bugs Bunny fighting off the scary, hairy monster. I no longer felt like dealing with it. So I shoved all three out the door and just decided to take a few minutes for myself. For the first time in two weeks!
Now, it's off to clean house, do laundry, help an Aunt fix her computer and get this house back in order.
Thank God. I thought for sure that someone soon was going to commit a Homicide in my home. And most likely that person was going to be ME.
Please don't get me wrong, I love my children dearly. I would gladly lay my life down for them in a heartbeat. But, there comes a time in every mother's life that you just want to ship them off and sail away to the Caribbean for a month or two. Hell, make it a year! We moms deserve that much.
The last two weeks have been busy. Christmas and New Years really needs to have a more spaced out time frame. I feel like I have aged another three years in these last couple of weeks.
Between Emergency Room visits, Grandma's house, baking til I about wanted to stick my self in the oven, and refereeing about every kind of fight imaginable, this old gal has had it.
Sadly though, there was a one hour delay for our school system. So, my kids didn't have to leave until 9:30 for the bus. I swear to you, I couldn't for the life of me get them out the door fast enough.
I actually pictured the cartoon of Bugs Bunny as he was trying to escape that hairy monster in the castle. He ran so hard, his little body got all puny and Bugs was sweating up a storm.
Then, the monster tried to break through the door and Bugs got it shut and locked once more. But only after having to hold it closed as the monster tried to force his way in.
When all was calm, Bugs Bunny sighed a fresh breath of relief.
This morning, I was Bugs Bunny fighting off the scary, hairy monster. I no longer felt like dealing with it. So I shoved all three out the door and just decided to take a few minutes for myself. For the first time in two weeks!
Now, it's off to clean house, do laundry, help an Aunt fix her computer and get this house back in order.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Years, Shmoo Years....When it comes to Resolutions.
Do you make New Years Resolutions?
Not me. Nope. No way.
Why? Because I know for a fact that I won't keep them. Plus most of what I could use, I have already done.
Let's see here.... I stopped smoking over a year ago. I rarely ever drink. I have no weight to lose. I'm pretty healthy (for the most part).
If anything I should resolve to GAIN some weight. Maybe to have a glass of wine each night. Take up smokelss tobacco. And clog the arteries.
Maybe then, on New Years of 2011, I will have some resolutions to make use of in 2012.
Then again, I think I will just leave as is thank you. (=
Not me. Nope. No way.
Why? Because I know for a fact that I won't keep them. Plus most of what I could use, I have already done.
Let's see here.... I stopped smoking over a year ago. I rarely ever drink. I have no weight to lose. I'm pretty healthy (for the most part).
If anything I should resolve to GAIN some weight. Maybe to have a glass of wine each night. Take up smokelss tobacco. And clog the arteries.
Maybe then, on New Years of 2011, I will have some resolutions to make use of in 2012.
Then again, I think I will just leave as is thank you. (=
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas. The Day After.
The stockings were hung. The cookies made and laid out. Presents wrapped and under the tree.
There was the trip to the Emergency Room...
Yep! You read it right. My family's Christmas was almost a complete bust. Bryce had to be taken in. His eyes were blood shot. He had no color, and goop coming out his eyes and nose.
Come to find out, he got an awesome gift! He received Pink Eye, a Sinus Infection, Imeptigo (contagious rash) on the end of his nose, and an Ear Infection.
We got home just in time for the kids to get nestled in their beds. Santa was able to come, with all of us fast asleep. He dropped off a couple of bikes (Bryce and Skyler), a Twighlight; New Moon board game (Hayley) and the stocking stuff.
The kids all got new bed sets. Mom got a Snuggie in pink from Bryce. So, my son helped to fund Breast Cancer Research. Dad got a new outfit. And that's just a few things to name off.
Between Santa, our family exchanging gifts, and at Grandma's, where extended family exchanged as well, these kids made out like bandits.
Even the kitty-kids (my three furry sons) got a couple of presents! From us, they received a new Crinkle Tunnel, and some Cat-Nip toys. From Grandma and Papa, they got some new jingle toys.
The aftermath is clear. Toys to be taken out of packaging. Beds to be made. Clothes to be hung or put in drawers. Garbage to be taken out. Gift bags and boxes to be folded and put away for next year.
Scott already built the play kitchen Santa brought Skyler. That was fun watching Dad put part AA in to part PP and DD in to LL. I know I'm a mean one (Mrs. Grinch as my Brother-In-Law kept callin me).
Here is to a hopefully happy, joyful, love-filled, family-filled Christmas that I hope you had all enjoyed this year. From my home, to yours.
There was the trip to the Emergency Room...
Yep! You read it right. My family's Christmas was almost a complete bust. Bryce had to be taken in. His eyes were blood shot. He had no color, and goop coming out his eyes and nose.
Come to find out, he got an awesome gift! He received Pink Eye, a Sinus Infection, Imeptigo (contagious rash) on the end of his nose, and an Ear Infection.
We got home just in time for the kids to get nestled in their beds. Santa was able to come, with all of us fast asleep. He dropped off a couple of bikes (Bryce and Skyler), a Twighlight; New Moon board game (Hayley) and the stocking stuff.
The kids all got new bed sets. Mom got a Snuggie in pink from Bryce. So, my son helped to fund Breast Cancer Research. Dad got a new outfit. And that's just a few things to name off.
Between Santa, our family exchanging gifts, and at Grandma's, where extended family exchanged as well, these kids made out like bandits.
Even the kitty-kids (my three furry sons) got a couple of presents! From us, they received a new Crinkle Tunnel, and some Cat-Nip toys. From Grandma and Papa, they got some new jingle toys.
The aftermath is clear. Toys to be taken out of packaging. Beds to be made. Clothes to be hung or put in drawers. Garbage to be taken out. Gift bags and boxes to be folded and put away for next year.
Scott already built the play kitchen Santa brought Skyler. That was fun watching Dad put part AA in to part PP and DD in to LL. I know I'm a mean one (Mrs. Grinch as my Brother-In-Law kept callin me).
Here is to a hopefully happy, joyful, love-filled, family-filled Christmas that I hope you had all enjoyed this year. From my home, to yours.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas is the happiest time of the year...
So far, it is far from it as it so seems. At least for me and for my home.
My kids are sick. Well two of three are anyway.
My son has broken my cherished Snow Globe that my husband gave me from one of our first few Christmases together.
My husband is having to work extremely long hours during this week leading up to Christmas day at the store.
I'm losing my sanity by the minute it seems. As well as my well-talked-about patience as my husband always is amazed by the amount of it that I have.
Apparently, I have also "upset" some people in a group I'm a part of on FaceBook.
Plus, I am apparently using wrong 'terminology' when referring to a certain subject. Plus I'm apparently in the wrong for voicing MY opinions/views/thoughts on a subject in another of my blog pages.
Where will it end for me? It's obvious I'm doing NOTHING right this week. I can't say things correctly, I can't do things correctly. I can't have nice things that are MINE. I can't have a damn thing go right.
Screw you, Christmas week! Here is to a better one next year. Because this one is nowhere near jolly or merry.
My kids are sick. Well two of three are anyway.
My son has broken my cherished Snow Globe that my husband gave me from one of our first few Christmases together.
My husband is having to work extremely long hours during this week leading up to Christmas day at the store.
I'm losing my sanity by the minute it seems. As well as my well-talked-about patience as my husband always is amazed by the amount of it that I have.
Apparently, I have also "upset" some people in a group I'm a part of on FaceBook.
Plus, I am apparently using wrong 'terminology' when referring to a certain subject. Plus I'm apparently in the wrong for voicing MY opinions/views/thoughts on a subject in another of my blog pages.
Where will it end for me? It's obvious I'm doing NOTHING right this week. I can't say things correctly, I can't do things correctly. I can't have nice things that are MINE. I can't have a damn thing go right.
Screw you, Christmas week! Here is to a better one next year. Because this one is nowhere near jolly or merry.
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